We arrived in Venice today, Jason's birthday. It was a bit of an ordeal getting here. Before leaving we debated what mode of transportation we should bring for Jillian: backpack or stroller. Jason thought the crowds would hinder the backpack so we chose the stroller. After landing at an airport about 40 minutes away from Venice (reason why Ryanair is soo cheap), we took a bus to the edge of Venice and hopped on a vaporetto (public water bus).
After discovering our hotel was on the other side of the canal, we had to struggle over the Rialto bridge with Jason carrying 2 rolling suitcases and 1 backpack; each of the kids had their own rolling suitcase and I had the baby and stroller. Go ahead and laugh. Somehow Jason got over with Griffen while a kind American tourist took pity on Kaitlyn, Jillian and I and insisted she help us. Once over the bridge we walked down an alleyway to our hotel. It sounded great in our guidebook as well as online. However, we must've skipped over the reason why it is the cheapest hotel looking over the Grand Canal, it's on the 3rd floor which means 75 steps to climb. After reaching the top, the kind receptionist met us with fresh glasses of orange juice. Our room looked out over the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge-beautiful!
After cleaning up a bit we set off to wander Venice for the day-without the stroller.
First things first-a cup of espresso and pizza. As we were walking around, Jason stopped off at an ATM for cash. Minutes after leaving the ATM machine he stops and says to me, "I feel like something just fell down my leg." I looked down and spotted his credit card (we were using money belts to protect from pick pockets). Quick stop off for our first gelato of the vacation. Next time Jillian gets a cup not a cone.
We took turns carrying Jillian when she tired of walking and made our way to the back canals away from the crowds.
Mid-afternoon we are approached by a Gondolier and haggle over a price for a 45 minute ride. He takes us on a nice ride through the more quiet canals vs the busy, noisy Grand Canal, pointing out interesting places along the way-Vivaldi's home, Marco Polo's home etc. After our ride we head over to the bustling St. Mark's Square. The Piazza is full of tourists and pigeons. Jason take the older 2 up the Campanile (Bell Tower) to hear the bells while I wander the Piazza listening to the dueling orchestras outside the cafes. Jillian falls asleep in my arms becoming dead weight as I long for the backpack we didn't bring. Time for another espresso.
We end the day with a decent dinner and tired kids. Once we are in our room reorienting ourselves, Jason discovers that his credit card wasn't the only thing he lost...he also lost his health insurance card, UK debit card and CA driver's license. So much for the money belt. Luckily no one else found them either and they are now out with the trash of Venice.
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