Swimming across Venice to get hit by Cars in Rome

Swimming across Venice to get hit by Cars in Rome

    This will be part one of my spring break adventure European style. Let us tell the tale beginning in Venice....

Venice, Italy

    How does one get to Venice from Austria you ask? Well, it's not swimming. We're students so of course flying isn't an option either so night train it is. Now, I was unfamiliar with this, but when in Rome (more on that later) right? I became closer with old friends and made new ones. However, I'm not quite sure what to classify what the guy with a Kesha fascination was. Fun story to tell my dog? Who knows.
    We finally arrive at around 5 am, but there isn't any water around. Apparently, there are two train stations. After buying a ticket and getting fined on the train we arrive to the "real Venice". Once again, we must use another method of transportation called a boat. They're great when you're other option is swimming. Hey, we were all getting desperate.
    I'll skip the boat ride fun and go straight to the hostel. First, let me state that you have to be a strong individual emotionally to handle Italian hostels. This hostel , however, was quite nice with a , let's just go with interesting, owner.
    Of course, we then head out and make the most of our day. I was seeing Venice differently this time than before. We did not stay on the main island, but became acquainted with them all. It was a beautiful day full of warmth and gelato. Lots of gelato.

Florence, Italy

    We woke early to venture off to Florence. A beautiful city filled with tasty food, great views, and questionable hostels. Let's start with the hostel. First, upon arrival we notice there isn't a clear, distinct sign. Eventually, we discover it is in a walk-up. When we pay, we discover the hostel owner keeps his change in a plastic bag and one of the only two showers is in the lobby. It can't get any worse, right? No, it does. The room is about the size of an average bedroom. However, there is one, really loud toilet for the six twin beds with two inches between them. Let me change that statement. They were cots. We continue on anyway.
    We tour the magnificence that is the duomo. Worth the sketchy hostel! Only in Italy is it that I discover I have issues with crowds in tight spaces. However, the fear of dying was well worth the view. I am in aw of how regular people could build such a structure. The ornate details are astounding. It isn't hard to believe it is a UNESCO heritage site.
     Afterwards, we visit some other sites that one must simply see , including multiple David statues, and the market. The market is where I discover a hidden talent for haggling. I love scarves. It's a bit of a problem. However, I can't resist a bargain. Me and the sales guy go back and fourth. I explain to him that I roll with a crew so my friend must also get a discount. Cha-ching! Two scarves for almost half off. I was feeling like a balla the rest of the day.
     We then head off to watch the sunset on the famous bridge. Forgive me, I do not remember the name as I had yet to sleep. It was truly something indescribable . Sort of like a Picasso painting, but in a good way. It was how I had imagined Tuscany and magazines don't do it justice. Neither does that one movie about the strange lady.

Rome, Italy

    Ah, Rome. Upon arrival we set our stuff at the hostel with a creepy elevator, but less sketchy than the last. Off to the Vatican! It was perhaps the highlight of Rome. A country within a country. We walk for what seemed like a while to arrive to the Sistine Chapel. Sadly, they didn't allow pictures, but it was worth being sleep deprived and 12 Euros. One is quickly humbled by the experience.
     After the Vatican , like true tourists, we purchased necessary souvenirs and Papa Francisco post cards. Hey, I love him OK?
     We tour the sites of Rome for the next two days. Really, two days was not enough to see all there was to see. It's truly a city worth writing home about. Though, it is a strange experience to walk around such a historic city. We often ran into random Roman ruins while walking. They are just sort of there.
     However, it is advised that you have extensive medical coverage before going to Rome. Paris, New York, LA, y'all don't have anything on Rome. I was quite thankful that I came equipped with Austrian, American, and death insurance. I mean, if the bus hurdling towards us at 60 miles an hour was going to kill us, at least our bodies could be shipped back home.

Milan and Pisa, Italy
    The Italian portion of our journey ends , officially, in Milan, but I am combining the cities because we didn't have much time in either of them. In Pisa though, we discovered an excellent hostel with equally excellent owners. Possibly the friendliest people we had met the entire journey. Heck, we even shared a meal together. It reminded me of the people in Alabama. We woke early the next day to make it to the tower before taking a train to Milan. It was an interesting day with rain and Burger King. I mean, who would think it would be that close to the tower?
    Next, we journey to Milan. We arrived in the late afternoon so we didn't really have an opportunity to do much touring around. However, we had quite the confusion with the reservations. We were split apart and half of us sent to another hostel. We were given a map with a general area circled; 10 minutes he said. He lied. A lot. It was 45 minutes into a neighborhood that was no longer on the map. Though, it ended up being the best hostel of the entire Italian journey. A helpful staff an a warm shower after a long journey. Also, themed rooms. Ours , of course, being Bach.

Ciao Bella Italia!