wandering: venice

venice. venice was a life long dream, and everything i had ever imagined italy to be.

we arrived by train, and wove our way through the maze of cobblestone streets to find our b&b; a gabled Victorian with a rooftop view. everything was bustling; bright flags whipped in the wind, water taxis sped by, and vendors sold paintings and carnavale masks on the streets. our gps wasn't working, but between my husband's navigation skills, and my precious little crash-coursed italian, we found our way to our lodgings. stopping every hundred feet or so to admire the view, or snap a photo.

venice was grabbing pizza and pasta (like you do), eating gelato, and listening to the bells chime from Saint Mark's square. It was wandering in and out of shops, admiring vibrant blown glass, hand-crafted puppets, and intricate masks. it was strolling around Saint Mark's with eyes wide in wonder, waiting for the sun to go down.

it was jumping in a gondola after dark and listening to the quiet swish of our gondolier's paddle strokes; laughter echoing from cafes, accordion music trembling in the stillness. it was staying up late and laughing and talking and more gelato and watching the only american movie that happened to be on.

venice was tiramisu by the water, watching the boats come and go. it was taking a taxi around the island and seeing it all from the water. it was arriving at the airport by boat. at a dock. which has to be one of the coolest things i've done.

venice was, in short, beautiful beyond belief.

is Italy on your "must see" list? have you already been? (if i haven't already convinced you, venice needs to go on your must-see list ;)) where was the last new location you explored like an over-caffeinated indiana jones? i want to hear all about it in the comments below!!

lOVE,

kATE