Ciaowdy from Venice!
This morning, we left our home for the past two weeks, Castiglion Fiorentino, and headed about four hours northeast to begin our last adventure here in Italy. As we traveled, we noticed the change in topography from the Tuscan hills to the flatlands to the Venetian coast. Many of us took a nap for part of the time, but we also chatted, listened to music together, and bonded over games. Once we arrived in Venice, we took a water taxi to our hotel.
Some of us spent an hour or so on the beach this afternoon, frolicking in the gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea. The feeling of gritty sand rubbing between your toes never seems to get old, and the rhythm of the tides is so calming.
After cleaning up from the beach, we headed to Campo San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) for a guided tour. We were amazed by our tour guide’s knowledge and loved hearing her perspective on life in Venice. She shared that while she had once lived in the city, the cost of living and decreasing population influenced her decision to move back to the mainland. We realized how difficult it is to strike a balance between welcoming and educating tourists on Venice’s contributions to history while preserving the environment and the standard of living for the city’s inhabitants.
Visiting the Doge’s Palace was a highlight of our day. At dusk, we could see the sun setting through the glass windows as we immersed ourselves in the incredible frescoes that served as a backdrop for Venetian politics centuries ago. It was difficult to reconcile the beautiful architecture on the second floor with the emotions of prisoners who once passed over the Bridge of Sighs. While somber, it was an incredible reminder of how important government is and how it impacts the lives of those who are subject to its laws.
We can’t wait to continue exploring this beautiful city tomorrow. Thanks for reading and gig ‘em!
Gibin George ’22 and Laura Key ’22
