Day Two - Venice

5.45 was really early but the group did great and we were on the bus by 7.00, even with warm milk and real yogurt - not the same as vanilla! We passed some amazing views on our way to the island and were touring the back streets of Venice by 9.15. Narrow streets, lots of bridges and canals - boat or foot is the only way to get around, not even bicycles allowed.

Gondolas were the highlight of the day for most (except maybe the group that spent 3 hours at the Doge's Palace). Julianna almost fell into the canal (thanks to a "humorous" gondolier, but Andrea said that EF's insurance would get us dry clothes within 30 minutes - thanks to Ang T. for reading the policies fine print. One gondolier sang the whole time, but most just texted.

Gelati was again the highlight - mango and green apple won the day. Meals have been good even though though they want to eat gelati 5 times a day.

The shopping continued, and all resisted the temptation to buy $90 cups from the glass factory. you'll be happy to hear that most travelers got their souvenir shopping "out of the way" on the Rialto Bridge. Lots of Italy sweatshirts at the airport in Winnipeg.

The Doge's Palace was one awesome room after another, from gilded ceilings and 50-foot paintings to medieval weapons and armour and the dungeons that held Cassonova.

Students went to the top of the Campinelle for some fantastic vistas, saw the mosaics of St. Marks Basillica, and sat and soaked in the atmosphere of the Piazza de San Marco and the beautiful orchestral music floating out of the numerous cafes.

We managed to get them to stay up till 9.30 (only because supper only started at 8.00), and they're all looking forward to sleeping in till 7.00. We should be in Florence by noon.