Venezia

I am in Venezia (Venice) right now, relaxing in an internet cafe, and feeling really grateful for how my day has turned out.

Its funny how and where this journey takes me. I often think I "know" something...but then I am constantly reminded of just how little I really do know...

For example, I said I would NOT be staying in a hostel during my trip. 1) I cant afford it and 2) I wanted a different type of experience by staying with locals. Well guess what I did this afternoon?!?!?!? Check into a hostel!!! LOL

Venezia is very confusing. Not only is it confusing but its also very expensive. I took the absolutely cheapest route to get here from the airport which was $13 euro one way and took 90 minutes. I was supposed to be staying with a couchsurfer outside of the city but its just way too expensive and time consuming for me to get back and forth from his house ($26 a day!). Thank goodness for my Rick Steves book because it guided me to a hostel inside of an old church that is only $24 a night. I am shocked at how relieved and excited I am to be in hostel!

One, I have my own space and my own bed. For the first time in 18 days I am not treading in anyones territory, WOW, it feels awesome! Not only do I have my own bed complete with sheets and towels, but a bathroom in my room. WAHOO! This is amazing! My only disappointment is that in my 4 bedroom room, there is no one else. I was hoping to go exploring with someone tonight but hopefully, Ill meet some people during the free breakfeast in the morning.

I would have never wanted to take a six week trip with just one person. Especially after everything last year, I feel a lot of time alone is healthy and it has really proven to make me grow stronger. However, I do get lonely. I spend at least 8-10 hours every day completley alone without a single conversation. Back in the US, Id strike up random conversations with people...but I cant do that here. I find that there are times when Id wish I was sharing certain moments with someone. Like when I tripped and fell going up the stairs onto the airplane, not once-- but twice this morning. Or when the door on the water bus to downtown backtracked and smacked me in the face. There really ought to be someone here to enjoy my humilation, someone should be getting something out of this!!! LOL

Today, I also became very aware that I am spending this week in two of the worlds most romantic cities, Venice & Paris. Ill be in Paris on Valentines Day and I know that for the first time in a long time, I wont be getting a kiss or even an "I love you" phone call from anyone. Im really ok with all of this and feel so extremely happy to be on this adventure... I just share it because its something I do realize and do ponder.

Ive only been here for a few hours but I definitely think Venezia is best done with at least a friend. You get lost a lot, there are lots of beautiful sights, everyone is riding in gondolas and making out...its something you should see with someone. While I am so glad I made the trip to come here, the senery is more than I could have imagined, I am also feeling really grateful that I leave Wednesday morning. There is just not that much to do, especially when your very poor like me!

Well Im getting out of here, Im going to hunt down that salad, try to take a few pictures, and get to bed pretty early. Its going to be a great night...simple, alone--- but very good indeed.

Ciao!

PS: Once I start a blog, it freezes it in that date even if I dont finish it. I started one on this weekend but cant get the pictures up so Im waiting to post it. Youll probably see it tomorrow but it will be further down than this one. Also, I figured out how to use my camera better and am taking some cool black and white pictures so I hope to get them up soon!