2010 - Venice, Italy

We survived the flight and are grateful we brought only one suitcase given the need to push a stroller and keep a hold of Vinny. We are here - starting our one-month journey that was born as a result of Hugh's one month sabbatical at work!

It’s pouring rain – yet quite warm- and we couldn’t be happier! The plane ride was a dream in terms of well-behaved kids. The only thing lacking was sleep as they were too excited about their adventure.

​Because we couldn't get into our apartment right away, we stopped for a coffee to kill some time. Running on exhaustion, Hugh was looking forward to a big cup of coffee only to be quickly introduced to the way Italians drink their coffee. Though he was definitely disappointed at first, he quickly learned to acclimate to how they do things here in Italy.

Rather than walk around in the rain when we were all starving for dinner, we opted for night #1, dinner in. 

​Day two told us - loud and clear - that we did not pack appropriately for the weather we've encountered. Torrential rain and heavy wind kept us indoors most of the day since we lacked proper rain clothing, shoes, gear. I made a quick run to the supermercado to pick up enough food for lunch and dinner, arriving just before it was due to close for the day. Most everything is closed on Sundays here, with the exception of a small window of time during which the supermarkets are open. We are staying where the locals live, so there are no businesses that cater to tourists on this part of Venice. 

On my walk home from the market my umbrella broke (thank you, wind) and one of my bags broke. I arrived back to the apartment drenched but excited to be here nonetheless!

We were able to catch up on some sleep and have a great lunch indoors. The weather cleared in the afternoon so we took to the streets to explore the neighborhood, which is very artsy and hip. I am fascinated by the fashion here - and to those who I mentioned the man-pre, it took less than five minutes to spot my first pair! Man-bags are also a thing, in the form of  the fanny pack. I just can't embrace the return of the fanny pack. Gucci or not.

We ventured out for dinner and had pizza not far from the apartment. The pizzeria was charming and packed, and Sofia entertained the entire restaurant with her endless (and quite loud) singing. No one could understand her, but she was committed to her songs and stole the hearts of all in the room!

Today we had much less rain, so we took the water taxi to Piazza San Marco. The crowds are much more intense than I recall, even in the rain. Vinny is loving Venice so far. He's fascinated by the pigeons, the boats, and the amazing amount of gelato he gets to eat here! A note on the pigeons ... I was excited to take him to Piazza San Marco to let him feed the pigeons and hopefully get a picture of him similar to one we got of Auntie Gail, but the piazza no longer allows vendors to sell pigeon food so the pigeons are no longer flocking there. While it made me momentarily  sad, I get why they instituted the rule.