Venice

When we were stationed in NC we had a good friend Tyler who is now stationed here also.  So cool!...and even cooler is that he is married now to an awesome girl!  Tyler and his wife Tessa have been such a huge help and encouragement to us since we arrived in Italy.  They let us borrow their car, took us out for pizza, watched our kiddos, and have helped us adjust to life here.  We are so thankful for them and many others who have been so kind to us. 

This past weekend we went to Venice with Tyler, Tessa, and some other new friends.  We took the train from a nearby town right into Venice.  It is just a little over an hour from where we live.  It was amazing to step off the train and literally be right on the canal!  Venice was a little more "touristy" than I had anticipated, but was so incredible none the less.  There were street vendors, gelato shops, pizzarias, and little stores galore!  We did not ride on a gondola this time but will at some point while we are here in Italy.  The gondoliers wear the traditional striped shirt and hat with the red ribbon!  It was so cool to see!  We walked across the famous Rialto Bridge--built in 1591.  We also went to San Marcos Square.  The cathederals were beautiful...and get this--the Pope was there too!  We spent some time racing around the square trying to figure out where he was based on the crowds but then realized he wasn't due to speak for another hour or so.   Would have been interesting to actually see him though.   After a water taxi ride down the canal back to the train station, we headed home.  Everyone was worn out but we had a great time.

View from the Rialto Bridge

The Boys LOVE gelato!

A gondolier

Street Musicians outside the Ristorante where we ate lunch.

 Mmmm...pizza and caprese salad

Street in Venice

 San Marcos Square

San Marcos Square

San Marcos Square

Ventetian house along the canal

The whole gang...(left to right) O.G., Chrissy, The Shine clan, Tyler, and Tessa

Standing on the Rialto Bridge