In the beginning...

Hello again world -

Boy has a lot happened in the few days since I last posted! I made it to Rome, I made it to Venice, and I managed to do some cool things in between. Since my first few days are filled with so many new trials and opportunities for me, I will most likely be adding more details here than I will in the future (plus I'm not writing about a full week), so if something doesn't catch your fancy you can skip ahead. I won't be hurt by it, I promise.

First sight of Italy

To start with I got into the airport on Thursday. It was super easy, took maybe 15 minutes, and I spent a lot of time people watching so I didn't even lose my phone charge. The plane ride itself was a little less appealing despite the general amazing-ness of a plane. It has been discovered that my stomach and planes do not get along very well. At least I am able to prepare for next time! I did sit next to a very nice lady who I chatted with for awhile, so know that airplanes can be friendly places. It was an overnight flight though, and as anyone who has tried to sleep on a plane before can tell you, it is not so easy. I did at least 'sleep' for five of the 8 hours. And can I just say how cool it is that I boarded the plane in America, and then got off in ITALY after FLYING there. This is so underappreciated so I'll say it again for the people in the back. FLYING. Despite all its setbacks, this has got to be one of the coolest inventions to date.

I was then planning to take the train in to downtown Rome from the airport, but the lady at the desk convinced me to take a shuttle bus instead, because I'm on an adventure and adventures mean saying yes to things. It was basically just a big van where I sat up front, which was cool. It let me see what getting driven by an Italian is like before moving to a city without cars, but that also made it a bit terrifying. The driver was super nice and gave me directions to the hostel, because I only had directions from Termini Station, not a bus stop. Overall, Rome is beautiful, big, and a bit dirty.

I walked around to see the area and grab a bite to eat before heading back to relax after a long flight. BUT, more hostellers had finally arrived! I became fast friends with two guys from Brazil, it was the first time for all of us in a hostel. They invited me on a walk to see the Colosseum, to which I said "yes!" because travelling is always more fun with others, especially new friends. We walked around the archaeological park some and saw truly awe-inspiring sights everywhere we turned, many of which cannot be captured in a picture, but I took them anyways.

My new friends generously taking a
photo so I could be in it

A colosseum at night is the best
kind of colosseum

NEXT DAY
I slept in and decided to go straight to the train station, since I only had a couple of hours to go. This turned out to be a very exciting choice as on my way there I hear sirens, then see the smoke, and as I arrive I see that a bus has caught fire! Note that it was not in the station, the buses pull up the a large area outside it. From what I could tell thankfully no one was hurt, but you can see the fire at it's most exciting in the video below.

First steps in Venice

The train was super comfortable, and I recommend it to anyone travelling between cities in Italy. Plus, you get great scenery. Arriving to Venice pretty much at dark though was...interesting. It is such a beautiful city, and much more my style than I think Rome ever will be. That being said, I got off at my stop and immediately proceeded to get lost. A very Venice thing to happen. Everyone I have met here so far is kind and friendly, so I found my hostel in time to make it to the supermarket before it closed. This wonderful hostel has just tonight upgraded me to a 2-bed room for the cost of a 6-bed room, so I'd say that's a good start to things. My roommate here is an artist from Holland visiting for the Biennale, so we actually have a lot in common and we are both enjoying our stay.

I did the typical sight-sees (that are free) today such as San Marco and Rialto bridge. The view of the Grand Canal from Rialto is spectacular. I even did 'practical' stuff like find the Guggenheim so I won't get lost on my first day and bought a monthly pass for the vaporetti. The latter was very confusing, it took me three tries to find the right line to wait in, but I did it and I am proud! Apparently my Italian is up to snuff for native speakers, so I'm feeling confident going forward. Last, but not least, I stopped by the apartment, which I will move into on the 1st, to meet Paolo (landlord) and get the keys. He was so nice, the place looks lovely, and now I know for sure where it is, so I feel like I am settling in. The apartment is in the Cannaregio region of Venice, which is not always talked about, but if you go the Venice you must visit. It has such charm!

View from Rialto Bridge

View from Accademia Bridge.
At the end is Santa Maria della Salute,
right next to the PGC

One of many like this I took

I spent most of my time here staring at the city around me thinking how lucky I am to be living here for two whole months. I mean, every corner you turn there is something new, and beautiful, and stunning. It's true, there is nothing like Venice. The nerves of starting a new job in a couple days are starting to set in, but I'm looking forward to starting, as well as meeting my fellow interns. This trip has been a little overwhelming up to now, in a good way, but I am really hoping for the second week or so when I can say I am an 'experienced traveler.' Or at least an experienced in Venice. So many more adventures to come now that I am getting to know the city!

I am now sore from all of this walking around so I think I'll go take a nice hot shower and cook myself some dinner before bed. Until next time! A presto

P.S. The best things about hostels are comfy beds, hot showers, and wifi. We must all learn to appreciate these things more.