Venezia

Amazingly, I only have one full week left of my program and three weeks in Italy (a half week in Siena and a week with Mom and Dad in the lake region and the Cinque Terre). Before leaving, I wanted to make sure I saw Venice, so this weekend I went with a friend from Oberlin who studied in Scotland this semester. She and I left early Friday (May day here=no school!) and I just got back today. So here’s the Leann report on Venice.

It’s Disneyland, but an actual city. There are tons of tourists, costly food, but of course, RIDES! I really enjoyed my 24 hour vaporetto ticket and I think used it as much as possible. The first night my friend and I did the basic sites by foot--Rialto bridge, around Marco square, then the academia area, and eventually wound through the canals to the hostel. The next day we decided to do islands. We hit the beach on Lido and after a confusing amount of waiting for bus-boats that apparently don’t ever come, we headed for Murano for free glass blowing demos. I think my favorite parts of the trip were when I stole away for little strolls alone. Venice at night, when the day-trippers have left and the others are back in their hotels, when the lights reflect on the water, that’s the city I like the best.

Now I’ve seen them--the big three--Venice, Rome, Florence. The winner for me? Rome. Florence is close to home, Venice is definitely unique, but Rome is the best. I’m planning a day trip next week just to revisit this favorite place before my Italy time is up.

As usual I’m a ways behind on my story telling. I think the only thing worth mentioning is my newest travel rule--as long as they seem safe, take up unusual offers. A week and a half ago I went to a Paella hosted by friends of my professor out in the countryside. This professor is an artist and never fails to surprise me with her story beginnings---“back when I was living in Central America, I found this paper handcrafted by a blind man in the rainforest,” etc. She works with a guy from Spain who hosted this big paella cooking day out at an abandoned home in the country. The Italians and Spaniards at the party were lawyers, art restorers, librarians, beekeepers and musicians. Some in the group live in the abandoned home temporarily. So essentially I spend a day and evening with the gypsy squatters of Tuscany. Funny thing, I think I felt more at home with these people than I imagined….it was like TGIF at Oberlin! Everyone was so kind, and the fish paella was impressive. It was cooked in a huge frying pan, and the friend of my professor (whose name is no joke “Nacho”) got out a level to make sure it wasn’t tipping on the fire. As we drove up to the house, there was just a fire and a pile of wood. Within two hours of everyone working together, the men made a giant wooden table, and we had a meal for probably fifty. I learned that day how to fry wild artichokes, entertain possibly the most adorable Italian baby ever, and my new travel vow to take up odd offers. I wish I had a camera, but the memory of the strange perfection of the gypsy day a fuori will last I’m sure.

Now I’m preoccupied with two things, finishing up classes and planning my giro. I’ve adopted this Italian word to describe my seven week solo trek in Europe. At the moment, I’m secretly celebrating the fact that I made my first reservation, a flight from Brussels to Poland somewhere in mid-June. Why that one first? 10 euros (plus all the fees)! For inexpensive eastern euro flight, try wizzair. The trip is going to be a bit nuts, but I’m planning it for experiences. Instead of the main city tour, I have more activities in mind. Think adventure Leelee. I want to surf in Portugal, Kayak in Norwegian fjords, cycle and trek in Ireland, hike in the Alps, visit the carved saltmine church near Krakow, Poland, see the stained glass at Chartres, and go to a Globe show. Doable in one trip? Only with flights I think. I’ll write about it all for sure. If you have a favorite place in Europe, dime (tell me: ).