V is for….

Venice.

The one in Italy. Not to be confused with the one in Florida.

I hope you don’t have a full bladder…this may be the most pictures I have ever posted at one time!!! I don't know what came over me!!!!

June 2004

My first (and only) trip to Europe.

Coach won this trip for us, and it was glorious. Full of good food, fun people and fabulous tours and experiences.

The artistry of the homes and buildings here was just mesmerizing.

St. Marks Basilica and square and the Doges (Presidents) palace.

St. Marks basilica was originally built by the Venetian people as a government space. Today is is used as a place of worship for the Catholic residents and visitors. I could never take a picture that would grasp the detail and beauty in this place.

The bridge of Sigh’s….the bridge the prisoners must cross en route to jail. We actually went into a jail cell….I was freaking out ‘cause I just knew some old bad ghost was attaching itself to me!

You would never tell I was a tourist, would you? I was fascinated by everything! Payphones, Elevators, mailboxes and public Toilets! So much to see….

A funny ‘blonde moment’ to share(cause my life is FULL of them) …. as we were wandering the streets and I needed a public restroom…we finally found one, but you had to PAY to use it. Fine. IT was worth it cause when I walked in, it was clean. Pristine. I did my business and as I was opening up my stall door to leave I saw IT!!! A camera above me!!! I was being taped. agghhhh. I suppose it is there for security, but I just know that somewhere in the world someone was watching me pee. I just hope they paid big time for that little show. I hoped I could bring in some big bucks for commerce…..

Coach and I loved seeing this little street cat getting a drink from the running well pump, it almost reminds us of the cats that we have at home that we don’t like, but this cat was nice….

We saw this glass blower make a gorgeous vase…then we were asked to pay an arm AND a leg for it.

Yep, of course we bought one. who needs 2 arms and legs? PALEEEEESSE

We had such fantastic meals here…oh, we were in gastric heaven!!!

One evening the dinner special was fish. Coach asked the waitress what kind of fish was being served? The waitress looked at him, like he was a silly man and then answered: “you know, fish from the sea” as she was pointing to the water. Oh. THAT kind of fish. What came to him was a huge platter of lightly battered fried fish. About 10 different small fish and a few squid too. heads and all. I suppose what ever the fisherman caught in his net???

And of course Coach ate it all. :)

Look at all the stuff from the sea!

Oh, did you eat yet today????

I forget that fruit is a real treat in most places…we are so spoiled to have it growing all around…grapes and some cracked coconut.

The produce market.

Coaches favorite place was the sausage and cheese store….it still baffles me how that stuff can just sit out and not need refrigeration. I could not stay in there long…so stinky. And yes, we brought home sticks of sausage in our suitcase. ughhhh, sausage mixed with my undies, not a pretty smell sight.

I was still a soda drinker at the time and Loved when I got a small bottle of ‘coke light’ with my lunch. Their version of Diet Coke.

We did not take a gondola ride. I really had no interest in that…seemed like only tourists were doing it and I already showed everyone that I am a tourist. But, hey at least I left my fanny pack at home.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Venice, DO IT!!! You will not regret this once in a lifetime visit.

To see how others used the letter V this week visit A-Z Mondays

If you did not get enough of a Venice endorsement from me today, go visit KBL, she and her beloved went to Venice on their honeymoon a few years ago and promised a full review this week. If she hasn’t posted it though…it is because her heart is broken to bits, she just had to send off her furry boy Achilles this weekend who has been in ill health. He is a new member of the dogs of heaven group. Drop by and give her some love. She will appreciate it much….