Venice, aka 15th Wedding Anniversary Take Two

I am posting tonight from a little place in the world, commonly known as VENICE, ITALY!  This is really a dream come true.  Ryan decided that whilst living closer to Italy than we probably ever will again, that we should seize the opportunity to visit a life long dream of ours, Italy. I have actually been learning Italian fro several years, and it feels so wonderful being able to practice my vocab on real Italians, with words like spaghetti, meatballs, lasagna, and gelato (we got to use that one twice today.)  Our children are in the capable, caring hands of a pal from church (who happens to also be their piano teacher.)  If we were traveling to here from the states, we would be trying to get over jet-lag. But since we are already conveniently living in Scotland, we seem to be handling the one hour time jump rather well.  Viva Italia!

The view from our hotel balcony.  Apparently, some of the hotel guests wanted to stay an extra night, which meant the room we had booked was no longer available so we got upgraded to the top story suite... for free! It's got 2 Bedrooms, full kitchen, balcony, private patio (with seating for 15!) and a view that looks like the above.  10 points to the couple who didn't want to leave this floating paradise, who stole our original accommodation! 

Ryan and I posing on the first bridge we crossed. Romance is in the air.

Gilato take one: banana for Ryan, mint for me.

The only tow methods of transport in Venice are river boats (gondolas) and walking.  We took a water bus in from the airport, but spent the rest of the day walking.  In this picture, our feet are really starting to get tired, and we are cooling them off on some marble slab found while window shopping.

Ryan standing on the world famous Rialto Bridge.  After studying this stuff, it's thrilling for him to be able to stand on this architectural wonder.  It might be hard to see it in the pic, but he's crying a little.

Ryan taking a picture of me at the Modern Art Gallery in Venice.  This is piece behind me is called 'Woman in a Cafe." I am making my "Woman in an Art Gallery" pose.  Poetic.  I'm also wearing this lovely Italian scarf that Ryan had just purchased for me.