Day Four (Venice)

Can you believe that Venice is made up of 115 islands connected by 450 bridges?  Venice is surrounded by a body of water, therefore the only way to access the city is by boat, which is exactly what we did!  Water taxis transported us from the main land to Venice through the Venetian Lagoon.  The views driving in on the water were spectacular and cameras were once again snapping away trying to take in all the surroundings.  What better way to start your day in Venice then on a gondola ride through the canals.  Venice is known as the city of glass, so it was only fitting that we visited the famous Venice glass house where we watched a professional glass blower make a vase and a horse statue from scratch.  This company made some of the most beautiful glass pieces I have ever seen.  From wine glasses, to picture frames, to elaborate sculptures and even jewelry, this place made a variety of items!! Everyone took to walking the narrow streets of Venice after, looking for some lunch and shopping!  The stores were full of more beautiful glass sculptures that some purchased for souvieners!  We met a local tour guide who told us about the cities history, including how the city was built on water!  He also started the tour by exposing us to a stone statue that would bang the bell up in the tower upon every hour. Yes, a statue moved according to a schedule. Today, Venice is only home to 60,000, which is 1/3 less then it was a few decades ago due to the cities expensive living style.  San Marino was our next stop after our day in Venice!  San Marino is not part of the country of Italy, but the Italian culture shines through anyway. The hotel, which sits at the very top of San Marino, is located near its three towers.  The views from the hotel are once in a lifetime...so breathtaking!  We finished this amazing day with a delicious dinner at La Fratta in San Marino, where we enjoyed a five-course dinner highlighted with lasagna and steak!  Our waiter, Joseph, was the best waiter thus far of the trip and loved having 15 beautiful young women to wait on!  For the first time this trip, our wake-up call was later then 7:45am, tomorrow we will wake up at 9:15 and begin touring San Marino at 11am!  We are all excited to tour and shop this hillside of history! 

-Hope Phillips

Senior #45