Venice, Italy

The trip to Italy was one of the most memorable trips that I have ever been on in my whole life.  There were so many things to see.  We flew in on a Tuesday/Wednesday because of the time change.  I have to say that the non-stop flight from Denver to Frankfurt, Germany was totally worth it.  We had to sit on a plane for ten hours straight, but it made the trip a lot more bearable than having five connections. 

Upon arrival at the airport we were treated like royalty.  Hotel Concordia kept in contact with me via email and had everything set-up perfectly for our arrival.  We got into Venice at about five in the evening.  We had our own personal driver from the airport to a water taxi that was waiting for us.  The water taxi took us to our hotel where the porter was waiting to take our bags to our room.  We were greeted with a free drink and some appetizers in the small bar area.  Everyone was wearing suits and the waiter was wearing a tux.  It really was top notch service.  By the way, for anyone travelling to Venice anytime soon I highly recommend Hotel Concordia and suggest that you ask for room 104 because of the balcony that it offers. 

After checking in and showering we headed to dinner at the hotel.  The dinner was amazing with five courses.  Additionally, the waiters tried very hard to speak English and did a very good job of making us feel at home.  I didn’t mention yet, but they also spoke Italian, French, and German to the other guests that were eating there.  It was amazing to have a group of people try to make you feel that much more at ease and at home.  When dinner was over we went to San Marco Square to take a look around. 

The next day was a walk fest.  I am pretty certain that any and all food that I put into my mouth while in Venice was burned off due to all the walking around.  However, do not kid yourself.  All the walking is completely worth it.  Here are a few of the photos taken while we were exploring getting lost.

The second day there we had some excellent food at a local place that we just came to by random chance.  It was reasonably priced and the food was excellent.  For dinner that night we decided to give McDonald’s a try considering we were in a different country we thought it might taste a bit different.  In fact it was basically the same other than ketchup coming in packets like nugget sauce. 

The third day was more exploring with some church visits and of course the landmark of Venice, San Marco.  You can go on top of the Basilica now and take photos.  So of course Jen and I had to do that as well. 

The inside of Saint Mark’s was even more amazing than words can say.  In the photo above on the right you can see the painting on the outside of the Basilica however it really does not do justice to what can be found on the inside.  I would have loved to have taken pictures of it all however that was strictly forbidden.  Jen and I follow the rules even though many of the other people in St. Mark’s do not.  Therefore I have no photos to show of the visit other than the outside.  To try to describe it in words almost seems dumb because words do not do it justice, but if I had to try I would say that all the colors are about one inch squares that are placed throughout the entire church.  It really is amazing that someone took the time to lay every one of those one inch tiles.  If there was one thing that I think most people should see in Venice it would be St. Mark’s.  The wait is worth it and the downstairs portion is free of charge.  Upstairs on the balcony will cost you four Euro per person. 

Later that evening, I set up a gondola ride for Jen and I.  She did not know it, but that was where I had planned to ask her to marry me.  We got in the gondola and went a little ways before I asked her the question.  Just so everyone knows she got teary eyed and then stuck out her hand and said “Put it on.”  I asked her, “Is that a yes?”  She replied, “Yes, yes yes!”  LOL  Not the reaction that I was expecting, but unforgettable. 

Saturday was our last day and we decided to make a quick trip to Murano Island to see the famous glass blowing.  I have to tell you though that if you are planning on going to this you want to bring your credit card because there was not one thing under thirty Euro and Jen and I even saw a piece for 75,000 Euro.  Granted they are amazing and it is really neat to watch them blow the glass, but man is it expensive.

The last thing that we just had to do was to have a drink in Harry’s Bar.  According to the bar and the travel book that we bought Harry’s is where Ernest Hemingway and Charlie Chaplin used to relax and have a drink.  According to legend they stir genius into their drinks.  Lets hope so for 50 Euro for three drinks.  However, the atmosphere is amazing and I would at least recommend one drink.  They are responsible for inventing the Bellini.

The last day was a Saturday and was the least amount of fun I had while in Venice mainly because of the crowded streets.  However, during the week it was not bad at all.  Best advice is to try and go during the week as much as possible.  It was beautiful and I hope to one day go back to Venice as well as visit Rome.  At least for now though Italy can be crossed off and it was easily the best and most memorable place visited thus far.