We arrived at Santa Lucia (Tuesday 21 Oct) after a few hours on the train. It was one of the best train rides ever. I just sat there watching the beautiful Tuscan scenery go by as I listened to my iPod. I was leaving Florence and on my way to Venice, how could I complain. It was beyond me. God has truly blessed me while my time in London that I am able to go on this trip. When we got off the train we walked out of the station. The weather had turned from Southern California warm to overcast and drizzle and slightly cold. Although the weather was bleak, I was mesmerized. The steps out of the station lead right to the Grand Canal. There, in front of me, was Venice. Canals, boats, I could not process what I was seeing. I felt as if I had stepped onto a film set. So bizarre. I don't understand how this city was created. No where else in the world is there a place like this. We got our tickets for the water bus (Route 41) and took our 30 minute ride around to our hotel.
Oh yeah, we were in a hotel instead of a hostel. We got off at Arsenal, one stop down from St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco). We walked over a few bridges (the first of many) and turned up a street (not a street as we would normally think, but more like an alley or footpath [sidewalk]) which opened up to a big square. On the other side of the square was our hotel, Palazzo Soderini. We were buzzed in and once checked in were led to our room. We had two rooms here, a double with two twin beds and a triple with a king sized bed with a twin. The first room, the double, was fairly simple, nothing too fancy. But everything changed when we walked into the triple and were so amazed. This was no hostel. The ceilings were 20 ft high (and gorgeous) and the room was at least 20 ft x 40 ft. It was huge. There were two huge couches that could hold 4 people a piece and a massive TV with DVD player. We also had a balcony that looked over the square we just walked through. We were amazed by the grandeur of the room especially after the other places we had previously stayed.
After the awe passed we got ready and went out to discover Venice. We walked towards St. Mark's Square. We crossed over a few bridges and were there. I have seen the Walt Disney World version, but it does not compare. It is so much bigger in person. It is huge and so grand. I was in awe. After soaking it in, we went to find lunch. After lunch we wandered through the maze of shops, bridges, and canals. We would get to fork in the road and someone would say right or left and that is the way we would go.
Somehow we made it to the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. Um, wow. It was mid-day and the canal was busy with traffic: water buses, water taxis, and cargo boats. We walked up to the bridge and stared (a common activity on the trip but you would understand if you were there). We crossed the bridge and continued walking. We came across many more squares, bridges, dead ends, shops selling the same glass pieces as the last, and a Ferrari store like in Rome. Somewhere along the way we got gelato, I already miss it. After a while we decided to pull out the map to see where we were and what we had seen. I looked around and saw what looked like a car park (parking structure). Apparently we had walked the entire length of Venice in a matter of hours. It was getting dark by this point so we hopped on the next water bus back to our hotel. After getting ready and watching Dodgeball (there was a copy, in English to our surprise, in the room) we headed out to find this club mentioned in our guide book. Supposedly it was just past St. Mark's. After an hour of looking and asking for directions and always ending up back at St. Mark's we gave up. It was getting late so we ate at the first place we found open. Then we took our food to St. Mark's and listened to the battling bands. Two of the restaurants had a band in front surrounded by outdoor seating. The bands take turns going back and forth playing the most amazing music. There I was in St. Mark's Square listening to this beautiful music. Thinking about it now brings tears to my eyes. It was one of the best moments of my life. I recommend that everyone experiences this at least once in their life. I am planning at least a second. Eventually the bands stopped and closed down for the night. We were still hungry and wandered looking for food. Out of nowhere this little shop is open. We met a nice couple there, one from Canada and the other from Budapest. After enjoying an after dinner treat we, somehow, made it back to our hotel.
After a week of late nights and early mornings, we all got 8 hours of well deserved sleep. Our only objective for the day (Wednesday 22 Oct) was to go on a gondola ride. We shopped around a bit and ended up with a good price, especially split 5 ways. We were all amazed by the skill our gondolier, Franco. The canals have a good deal of traffic and he would steer within centimeters of the way without hitting. It was impressive. He was also very funny and even obliged us by wearing the traditional hat. He also seemed to know someone walking over every other bridge we went under. Money well spent.
After that it was time for Jessica and myself to leave for the airport as Jenni, Katie, and Lucas were staying an extra day. We caught an express shuttle to the Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo. It was the coolest thing because, unlike the water buses, they venture out into open water, down a sort of highway. There are pylons marking the sides and the boats travel along as if it were a road staying on the right side and passing on the left for slower boats. I ever thought about that but once I saw it, it made complete sense. The main transportation is on the water so why not just change the pavement and cars for water and boats. So cool.
The rest of the trip went smoothly. We flew BMI back to London Heathrow. On the final approach, I could see London just out the window. I first spotted the O2 Arena on the east end and followed the Thames. The London Eye stands out and I could see Parliament and Big Ben. If I were sitting on the other side I could have probably found South Kensington. I thought to myself. I am flying home, I am living in London right now and this is my home. Like a hundred billion hot dogs, awesome. From the airport we went down to the tube station and hopped on the Piccadilly line which is a straight shot to South Kensington station, home.
My first trip was everything I could have hoped for and more. Of course, when traveling with so many people it became frustrating at times, but in the end it was worth it. I cannot wait to go back.
Roma still leaves me speechless. Firenze was great and good for visiting nearby sights. Venezia is going to take time to process, so different, so enchanting.
Next time you are all coming with me.
Until we meet again,
-Maggie the traveler
For our last British Life and Culture field trip, we went to the National Army Museum. We were there to learn more about Britain's involvement in WW1. Instead of walking around the museum, we had a presentation including a dress-up bit. The museum is located next to the Royal Hospital Chelsea which is in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the very same borough that I live in. We decided to walk back to our flat and it was fun discovering a new part of London that is within 10 minutes of where I live.
I went back the next day to Chelsea and walked along the Embankment up towards Parliament. It was nice to see this side of London. It was less crowded compared to my usual walk from Parliament up to Tate Modern plus there are more trees so I could clearly see the season changing to autumn.
