Our Venetian Adventure Begins

We arrive at Venice and as we step out of the train station we lay our eyes on the Canale Grande for the first time. WOW. Immediately I am struck with a sense of excitement. After finding our accommodation for the next two nights, we explore the watery roads of Venice in search of a nice place to stop and have a bite to eat. The small pasticceria situated on the canal side invited us inside. I had a cappuccino and enjoyed a slice of torte millefoglie while Ali sampled the irresistible tiramissou.

Venice is beautiful and unusual. Despite the insane amounts of tourists that seem to infest the city, it's charm and beauty is overwhelming. You're led up and down over the hundreds of tiny bridges - again leading to squares and tiny streets laden with places to eat and drink. I feel very relaxed here. We're currently sitting on the edge of the canal next to the Ponte di Rialto (a large and extremely ornate bridge) that crosses the Canale Grande at a cafe/bar. Drinking a well deserved beer, we watch boats and gondolas pass by under the stars.

It didn't take us long before we found our hostel and I can't help but feel like we over spent. For 22 euros a night, we have a room all to ourselves with a balcony overlooking a small square. It's very clean and I look forward to the next two nights of comfort, hot showers and security after spending the last two nights in a hostel not providing any of the afore mentioned. The hotel is called Allogi Calderna/Casa Geratto and is located just a few minutes walk away from the train station and the original Ghetto.

Days seem to be getting longer and longer as we wake up in one city then sleep in another.

Smells like the sea.

I'm so incredibly relaxed now. Haven't felt like this for a while. I'm forecasting that tomorrow will entail lots of photo taking. Every corner turned presents an incredible shot.