From Firenze, we hit the road and took a chance by dropping in at the Vicenza Army Base. Fingers crossed we would get a room and hop on a train to Venice!!! We were very lucky and snatched one of the last rooms available. So we checked in, unloaded the Jeep, got a quick bite at the PX Food Court, took a taxi to the train station and took off the Venice.
It was about an 1.5 hour train ride. Some of us took naps (we have pictures to prove, but it will not be posted...per Kaitlyn's request), the rest just enjoyed the view.
Waiting for the Taxi, outside of base.
Surprise, surprise....somebody is excited!
For a minute....Andy and I just stood there looking at the water taxis thinking "Holy cow...we are in VENICE!"
Despite the crazy price for a Gondola ride, we HAD to take one. I don't think we will be doing it again, but no regrets on taking this one. The kids were really excited. Notice Andy going in first, not from lack of manners. Adults had to enter first and sit in the back, kids entered in order by weight.
I love this picture of Andrew, taking a picture from his phone. He was really taking in this moment.
Grand Canal!
While on the Grand Canal, I couldn't resist taking pictures of the houses. Can't believe that boats are their way of transportation. It was explained to us that most of the houses are vacation homes or turned down from legacy. Toby (Gondola guy) said that it is VERY expensive to live in Venice and most people are being forced to move away due to high prices. In result, they are losing their culture and tradition. Very sad to hear that money tears everything apart.
After living in Texas for 5 years, I became a big fan of wrought iron. Looking forward to taking this design to my wrought iron guy Salvatorre!
After the Grand Canal, we hit a quite area where most (of what's left) locals live. Favorite part is when we heard church bells ringing. I LOVE church bells (video clip below)!!
It was a great ride. I posted a picture on Facebook from the ride, and got a lot of comments about Toby on his cell phone. I mentioned that the culture and traditions are slowly dying....right? He was texting at one point too!!! It didn't bother me much because he constantly wanted to talk about the States and how he wants to go to California in a few years. I preferred him on the phone so i can get some quiet time with my family. Next time, we will go with an older guy, maybe he will be a more traditional Gondolier.
We stopped and took a break, Andy and I turned around and found the kids sitting and talking about how pretty it is here. "The water is murky, it's a little smelly, but it's still pretty here. I'm glad we came." said the Kittenz. ;)
Leilah's Fancy Hot Chocolate!!! Really??? It was 90* and 80% humidity.
The soda cans have names....of course, the romantic got "Love!"
Ummm yeah....a Diet Coke (or DP) is always Mi Amica!
Told you she is a romantic!!!
Leilah didn't care...she had chocolate!
Penne con Pomodoro....sooo yummy. The tomato salsa was sweet. Different, but good!
Lasagna, pasta was fresh!!! Another yummy dish.
Cant get enough of these bread sticks.
Family pic. FYI, couple behind us got engaged during our meal!
So he gave in...FINALLY!!!
Carnevale di Venezia (Carnival of Venice) is an annual festival, held in Venice. The Carnival ends with Lent, 40 before Easter on Shrove Tuesday (Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras), the day before Ash Wednesday.
Dinner took a few hours and we missed our 8:00pm train. Therefore we had to wait for the 10:30pm train. We were totally exhausted, but didn't want to complain. I don't mind being stranded in Venice for a couple of hours.
Kaitlyn is so lovable. :0)
We gave the kids 50cent euro and they negotiated a lighted toy from the street vendors. Usually they charge 2euro for them, but the kids are slowly learning how to haggle. Their dad was so proud!!!
Next day...time to check out!! Thank you Vicenza Army Base, it was fun!
There's Jenny (the Jeep) waiting for her next mission. Germany or BUST!!!!
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