We woke up in Italy and began our day with an Italian breakfast. Attila told us that breakfast is not a large meal for most Italians, so our breakfast selection at the hotel would most likely be small; indeed it was. I must say that the coffee was literally the worst coffee that I have ever had! It tasted burnt, but of course I got down 2 cups! LOL!
After breakfast our group headed to Venice, by the same means as the previous night. Once in Venice, we were taken to a glass-blowing factory, where we were given a demonstration of glass-blowing actually being done. The artist blowing the glass was incredible. Right before our eyes, we watched him produce a beautiful, small horse, it was unbelievable. I felt as if I were watching an illusion. Next, at the factory, we were presented with the opportunity to purchase different glass items at a discounted price.
When the tour of the factory was done, we had 2 hours to explore the city and all it had to offer. We strolled the city streets a bit before our paid Gondola ride. This paid excursion was something Grandpa was truly looking forward to. We were sat in the Gondola, with 3 other Gondolas around us, filled with our fellow group members, and men playing traditional Gondola-ride music and singing!
The Gondola ride was absolutely incredible and much more than I expected. Many times I have seen the Gondolas on TV, but being there and seeing everything first-hand was out of this world! The ride took us through the thin water canals that run through Venice. The canals, just as I have heard, run through the city just like streets normally do. Water passes directly in front of the homes, taking the locals to their doors and drive ways (which are for their boats).
Rachel, Dusty, and I decided to explore the city while Mom and Grandpa found a cozy little café to enjoy pizza, wine and relaxation. The small city of Venice is intertwined by thin allies full of shops, restaurants and drowns of people. We met many dead ends which lead only to the canals. We purchased 3 slices of pizza from a small café and ate them while we explored. The pizza was very tasty!
Venice is absolutely beautiful, it far surpassed my expectations. The canals which run through the city, which I have always heard are dirty, are certainly not! In addition to all of the canals, shops and restaurants I have mentioned, Venice is also full of beautiful architecture and street vendors. The main square, which consists of a clock tower, church and other architecture is very impressive and beautiful.
When purchasing from street vendors, we learned that it is actually illegal to purchase from street vendors that do not have a stand. There are many men selling knock-off designer purses, which they are carrying in their hands, or have spread out on a blanket. If you happen to purchase from these men, you will not receive any type of receipt. This is only a problem if you are asked, from a police officer, to show a receipt. So, to be safe, only purchase items from shops or street vendors that are permitted to be there and are able to provide you with a receipt.
COSMOS provided us with about 4 hours of free time to explore Venice. This would have been less if we would have taken the optional excursion, “Discover the Venetian Lagoon”. Four hours was more than enough time to venture through the island. From our fellow tour members who did partake in the extra excursion, they were disappointed with it. They said that it was boring, and they would have just enjoyed more time exploring Venice on their own.
Venice offers many great souvenirs. They are particularly known for beautiful Murano glass, which I spoke about earlier. I purchased a pretty green Murano glass necklace; I think it is the perfect souvenir from Venice. Dusty and I also purchased matching brown, leather bracelets, and Rachel bought a Venice sweat shirt.
When it was time for departure, everyone was ready to go. It was a very long and exhausting day. We all hopped on the boat for the trip back to the continent and then on a coach to journey to the hotel. A buffet dinner was included by COSMOS at the hotel and consisted of pea soup, salad, pasta and chicken. After dinner we headed to bed to rest up for day 10 of our COSMOS The Best of Europe tour!
Venice is a magical island that almost seems like a dream.
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