"Mio Giornale Italiano": VENICE: FIRST VISIT AND UNFORGETTABLE GONDOLA RIDE

[Beautiful Venice]

[Check out the beautiful architecture!]

We were all excited to go to Venice, a place we've heard of from stories like Marco Polo... The whole class took an hour and a half-long train from Vicenza to Venice. Señora warned us that it would be crowded, especially if the cruise ships were around. True enough, the city was filled with tourists! This, however, did not stop us from getting our first boat ride. A group and I stood near the balcony of the boat, so that we could get the best views. We spotted the highest arch that Señora mentioned, the university where her son used to study, and the museum where she previously worked. Each building was unique and had extravagant decorations. Boats are the locals' mean of public transportation, thus owning one is like owning your own car.

I ate lunch with Emme, Sarah, Heidi, Anu, and Yen. Sarah, Emme, and I ordered this amazing spaghetti, pizza, and chocolate cake. We then headed out for our assigned scavenger hunt of the hospital and the Jewish ghetto.

After eating their gelato and my melon ice drop, we finally had our first gondola ride (we split the €80). To my surprise, my friends requested for the gondolier to sing happy birthday to me. He had a soothing voice, and he mentioned that he frequently sang lullabies to his baby girl. The gondolier showed us around; we passed by narrow passageways and old, mini bridges. The views were spectacular as well... He pointed to a cathedral to the left and another building with intricate, architectural arches to the right? We also got greeted by their emergency personnel with a cool ride. Right before we ended up at the dock, we spotted a couple enjoying their ride. 'Twas such a relaxing ride, especially while listening to the gondolier's soft paddle, gently unfolding the Venetian waters... I could not help but smile. I will definitely come back and share this experience with the special people in my life.