DAY 6

SIMPLE PLEASURES...

We are in Venice! U am seeing places I thought I would in see in my dreams! I am in awe of the beauty. We got here at 7:30 and took the hour long bus ride from Treviso into Venice. Then we took a boat ride down the canal. We wandered around for a bit looking for a hostel that we could afford but the two we tried were full. Luckily one guy made a call for use and led us to a hotel. The following is Wendy's version of what the conversation probably sounded like (since we don't know because the guy spoke in Italian... imagine that).

Here's a probable transcript of the conversation:
Receptionist: "Hey, Giuseppe."
Giuseppe: "What's going on, Paolo?"
R: "I've got two crazy American girls here who look like they've just been regurgitated by an angry whale. I don't want them staying in my hotel, but I know you're a pretty nice guy. Would you be willing to take them off my hands?"
G: "You say they're American?"
R: "Yes, and they look horrible."
G: (sigh) "Well, I'd rather not; it's not great for business. But I don't want their blood on my hands. Send them over."
R: "Thanks, man. You're a peach."

So we got to our new hotel--one room, two beds, air conditioning, private bath, phone in the room, and much more. All for sixty euros! The guy at the reception counter suddenly became our new hero. We must have looked incredibly pathetic; we were so excited to be able to shower. Then I asked him what time we needed to check out.
"11am" he said, "but you can leave your bags here all day"
"really?" I sighed. "Thank you so much!" I suddenly had the urge to hug him. But I refrained.

I took a bath while Wendy did her laundry in the sink and then we swapped. Then I went to a nearby bakery and bought two waters and two pizzettes (mini-pizzas) for 3.50 euros. Cheapest meal yet (we got ripped off in Rome). After we woke up we set off to Piazza San Marco which was great and there where thousands of pigeons everywhere. It's funny how being a tourist can make every day things (ex. pigeons) seem exciting. Wendy and I just walked around Venice for a while. Then we went to a pizza place near our hotel where we bought pizza and lots of beer. I don't think beer has ever tasted so good to me before. We were so hot and sweaty. Now we sit in our air conditioned hotel room, reminiscing about all the nice people we have come in contact with. Italy is wonderful. I will be say to leave tomorrow.