Hello Venezia!

As if the staying up last night packing wasn't bad enough, our bus left this morning at 7 am for Venice. It was certainly a struggle getting everyone set on the bus for the 5 hour trip (whew). Our bus was suited for 50 though so it was really nice to get to stretch out and sleep. Although, I didn't sleep much, I was too captivated by all of the gorgeous mountainside we passed on the way there. I even got to see my first snowflakes of the trip. :)

When we finally arrived in Venice I could hardly believe that the city had no roads and no automotive transportation! It's something you always hear about Venice, but until you're standing outside the city staring at the never ending canals of water it's really hard to understand. Truth is: it was unbelievable! Our bus had to drop us off at the outskirts of Venice where the Waterbus (Vaporetto) would pick us up. The water bus is comparable to a metro in a larger city, only it takes FOREVER. If you've ever been on a boat you know how it can take quite some time to dock... well just think, the Vaporetto docks at dozens of 'stops' along the Grand Canal. We were on the Waterbus for quite some time, but I really didn't mind sitting back and taking in the beautiful gothic architecture.