Treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one. Happiness is a journey not a destination -Souza (a birthday card from Elise Delmerico)

Gnocchi and lots of it

Venice canals

From Thursday-Sunday I joined Elise in Venice! It was beyond my expectations. It was on a whim to even go, but Elise needed some company for her trip to Italy and I just had to oblige. We could not have lucked out more with BEAUTIFUL sun and warm weather in addition to all of the wonderful scenery, food and genuinely nice people (a nice change from the usual Don't You Dare Make Eye Contact with Me and I'll Shoot Laser Rays in Your Eyes if You Smile Londoners). The weather had to be in the 60's each day and Elise and I were more than thrilled to finally shed our winter jackets.

Favorite Things about Venice:
-Gnocchi with bolognese  -- I ate it at least twice a day
-Gelato/Sorbet (particularly strawberry) -- (See Above)
-The green, Caribbean-like water
-The canal-style streets
-Colors of the buildings
-NO CARS

The kick-off to Carnevale with red wine from the fountain
for Everyone!!! 

-A pleasantly clean hostel with very nice hosts
-Every time we were lost someone offered to help, even if no one in Venice has any idea where their train station is
-The glass jewelry
-The water taxi ride to Murano Island
-Sitting by the water, in the sun, with a cone of gelato and good company
-Unexpectedly seeing the kick-off of Carnevale with gorgeous, elaborate costumes and a fountain spewing wine
-Dancing through a Russian parade
-The sunset on our last day was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen
-Excellent, excellent conversation, laughs, food and small bouts of extreme lostness with Elise Delmerico

Sunset over Venice from the water taxi

A best friend sitting by the water on Murano Island