The European adventure is over! Monday, January 28, 2008

You know you have been away from home too long when you would rather be sitting on a plane going home instead of spending one more day in Italy. It wouldn't have been so bad, had it not been for the lack of sleep (you try sharing a twin bed with Tim) and the early wake up calls. Amy, my roomie was up before 4, departing at 4:30 and we were up at 6:15, departing at 7. But, I got all of my stuff to the airport and safely stored overnight and got Tim off. I thought I was off to have a nice day in Venice, meeting Patrick at noon in San Marco square. I just had to drop my final bag off at the hotel. It should have been easy...

Well, a long bus ride to the train station, only to find out that the next train was in over 2 hours found me in a very expensive cab. I thought my problems were solved, but then I find out that the trains into Venice are very regular except between 11 and 1. I had just missed the 11:00 train, so I was waiting until one. As if Patrick would wait that long. So, I spent 3-4 hours in Venice myself, walking the streets, re-visiting the city after 16 years. Not much had changed, but it was beautiful weather and a glorious day. I was pretty tired, so come pizza, coffee, gelato and I was set. Patrick was still missing, but eventually that evening, he knocked on the hotel door and had found his way. I wasn't too worried. I am excited to be heading home.

At least our good bye this time was only for 2 days.
My noon meeting place with Patrick.
Karneval is in full force. Next week is the real party.

Definitely a more refined Mardi Gras.

The pigeons of Saint Marks square. I don't really care for pigeons.
Typical Venice. View from Ponte di Rialto.

The 'streets' of Venice.