Venice, Venezia, City of Masks, that is what it is called. For me, I call it Heaven. When I was little and traveled with my family to Italy, I learned about a beautiful city on the water. Ever since then, it has been #1 on my bucket list. When we stepped out of the train station and waited for the water taxi to take us to the hotel, I could only stand and marvel at the beauty all around me. I was beginning to wonder if I would ever get to visit Venice, and I actually cried of joy when I saw it with my own eyes.
The first full day had a simple task–get lost and enjoy what the city has to offer. Elyse, Brook, Sarah, and I went with Ms. Linda (and Rick Steves) on a boat tour down the Grand Canal. We then continued to walk around and peek into mask shops and mask workshops. For dinner, we ate at the Hard Rock Cafe. Call us crazy, but we missed American food, ice in water, and separate checks. Of course we love Italy, but I think nine weeks away had us all feeling a bit homesick.
Day two, we set sail for some of the islands of Venice: Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for their glasswork, and we had the opportunity to sit in on a glass-blowing demonstration. After lunch by the water, we took another boat to Burano. Burano, known for the different colored houses and buildings, was a beautiful sight!
The final day of Venice included a visit to the Biennale Art Exhibit. The first half was spent visiting different country’s pavilions, while the second half was filled with room after room of unconventional art pieces. Before leaving, we took what I believe is our best group photo – all 22 of us standing around an “ITALIA” sign.

After this week, I still truly love Venice, and can successfully cross it off my list. I keep my fingers crossed that I get a chance to visit again and ride a gondola with a gondolier serenading me like I saw and heard from my hotel window.
Ciao,
Lauren Campbell xx