A southern girl in Italy!!

Okay, so I know some of you have been waiting anxiously for this post and some of you are just wasting time at work, but either way, I hope reading it brings you a smile to your face because I've been all smiles since I left. So let's get started!

The journey began on Monday when I headed to the airport to see that my flight to Dallas had been cancelled. If you have ever had the pleasure to travel with me or listen to my travel adventures, you know this is the norm for me. Never fails something goes wrong or someone doesn't have a seat on the plane (Sarah) or there is no luggage upon arrival or we have to haul multiple 50 pound bags through the metro stations and so on and so on. Anyways, the lady at the counter could sense my concern and so she managed to get me on another airline, going through different cities, but still getting to London to catch my flight to Venice. Now this is where I should mention my flight into London was through Heathrow. My flight out of London was from Gatwick, but we'll get there soon enough. Flight through Houston was good and the flight to London was also smooth....only one small freak out. And no, it wasn't me that freaked out. It was the lady in 27D right about the time we were over the canadian border when her mom had a seizure. Yes, I would have freaked out too, but this lady went full out.....running down the aisles, screaming "oh god, oh god". Let's just say when the male steward tackled her, I was somewhat grateful. Now this was all after the 9 year old female in front of me told her mom she had a feeling the plane was going down and she knew it wasn't nice to say, but she just did. Yep, these are my travel adventures!! So long story short, the lady was fine, we made it to London (and so did my luggage), and a super expensive hour long bus ride later from Heathrow to Gatwick I was ready to check back in for the last leg of my journey! I might also add here that (unless you live under a rock) you know the Olympics are in London this year which made for some interesting sights along the bus ride. Amazing to know you are thousands of miles from home and in a city where in a few short weeks so many hopes and dreams of thousands of athletes and spectators alike will be made as the world watches from their tvs. I've been to London twice so I decided to skip it this trip with all the crowds and security issues, but as I flew in and could see the London Eye, Big Ben, the London Bridge, the fields where the athletes would be, and Olympic rings painted all over the place, I felt like a little speck in this amazing world which we so often take for granted or that some of us really never get to see. I'm truly blessed to be able to be here on this trip and to be able to share it with y'all!!

So back to it. The last flight was full of beautiful scenery also. Flying over the Alps, seeing all the cities and land of Italy below, gorgeous! When I got to Venice I got my first feel of holy hell they speak another language when I had to try to figure out how to get to San Marcos square and where my hotel was. See, I was a slacker and ran out of time so didn't exactly do that research beforehand. I know, bad girl. BUT I made it!! I caught a water bus which was super lengthy but a beautiful ride! Finally made it to the square and wandered around aimlessly down the alleys until I finally bought a water from a man in return for directions to the hotel. The hotel is in a terrific location (thank you Leah for the recommendation) and is literally steps from the piazza with live quartets playing while you eat. I've got tons of pics and will try to post some soon if I can figure it all out from what I'm working with.

After getting checked in, I ventured upstairs to check out the room. It is very cute and quaint complete with the windows that open out and shutters that follow suite. Small little shower, but desk and a lounging chair and several lamps to light up the space. Oh, and air conditioning!! It was about 80 degrees when I got in at 5 pm and air conditioning is something to be grateful for around here. So after dropping off my 37 pound bag (yep, you read that right. This girl got everything for a month trip in one backpack. ) I hit up the piazza and strolled down some alleys. Got a calzone and glass of wine for dinner followed by some gelato for dessert. Now this is where I should tell you I'm in heaven. Again, if you know me, you already know that two of my favorite things are wine and ice cream and if you really know me you know pizza is my pissed at the world or men or work or life comfort food. And I have it ALL here in one place, available whenever and wherever I want!! I may not leave :) So after strolling around, I decided I should head to bed and actually get some rest for tomorrow is when Jordan gets here and the official shenanigans will begin. So with all of that being said and until I write again (hoping for tomorrow), ciao!

Random things:
Pics taken - 32 (hey, it was a travel day)
Couples seen hardcore making out (ewwww)- 4
Times I responded thank you when some one said hello in italian because I had no idea what they said - at least 5

**And please ignore any grammatical errors. You know I hate them, but typing on a weird keyboard with a small screen only works so well :)