Today was the chosen day in which Cory and I took part in
one of the most well known and romantic experiences.
When we got on the plane for England over three weeks ago,
Cory put a sealed envelope in my hand. It was a card from my dad, entrusted
into Cory’s care to be given to me when we were in the air.
Needless to say it was a personal note that made me cry.
Enclosed was money and instructions to use for a gondola ride in Venice. And
so, my wonderful, wonderful parents treated Cory and I to the most AMAZING
experience on the canals this afternoon.
Our gondolier was a very nice young Venetian who spoke
English very well. I asked him how long he had lived in Venice and he said that
in order to be a gondolier you have to be born and raised a true Venetian. I
asked him if he liked living here. His answer in a wonderful Italian accent
was, “I love living here. Venice is my city. It is part of my heart.” I thought
that was a wonderful answer. SO our gondolier gave us a wonderful time on the
canals, answering questions, telling us history, and making us laugh when he
shouted out random Italian words to the other gondoliers and passers by.
We came into a few close shaves with walls and boats and
bridges, but I think that is fairly normal because our gondolier didn’t even
seem to notice (except one time when a rude taxi cut us off, apparently the
gondola’s are supposed to have priority on all the canals but the taxi guys are
rude).
I think that Venice is a wonderful and amazing city. The
views from San Marco’s clock tower are wonderful, the views from the street are
wonderful, but no view compares with the one we saw today. While wandering
through all of the tiny canals today we really felt all of the culture of the
city. It was so wonderfully romantic; A truly amazing experience.
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