So we’re at the beach (Lido) as I write, after having walked for six hours learning about Venice’s naval forces that enabled it to stay in power during its prime time. We also explored one of its main palaces (Ducale) set right in the center of Saint Mark Square. Everything was pretty cool except for the no picture rule everywhere we went.
The coolest thing I saw today has probably been this little boat full of fresh food to be delivered to the neighboring hotel this morning. The amount of water traffic this morning was insane as everyone headed to work on this beautiful monday morning.
Eric has been carrying our passports around and this morning I made a point of storing them in the safe. Not so smart. We walked all the way to the main square only to have to walk all the way back to the hotel since we didn’t have any sort of ID to exchange for the audio tour system. They wouldn’t take any other sort of ID. Having to walk back and forth took a total of an extra hour of our time. But it wasn’t the time I was upset about, it was the walking. My right ankle is a bit swollen from the amount of walking and tripping I have been doing for about a week now. After moping and Z being a bit upset, we made it back to the palace without any other surprises.
It has been extremely hot here the last couple days. Any walking in excess of 5 minutes has you drenched in sweat. I started this post a day ago and am finishing it now in the middle of this little plaza, having a little lunch, awaiting our time to board our ship that will take us to Pula, Croatia.
We took a gondola ride thiis morning. I didn’t have the ipad so no pictures until we get back home but it was really nice.
You can really see how much the water is rising and the damage its causing to all the homes. Most homes have vacant first floors because the water gets through every time it rises. Our driver showed us how with a little bit of force, the walls simply crumble away. Pretty interesting stuff.
Here we are on a boat (in the US it would be a a bus). They work exactly how buses work back home. Although very nice and fun the first couple times, they are always hot and crowded. You literally sweat about 5 pounds every time. Definitely a fun experience.
This is the view if you are lucky enough to stand or sit outside. This I took early in the evening so it was pretty empty. That little island you see there is very cool, you can go up the tower and get a picture of the entire city. Below is what the city looks like from the tower.
The trip thus far has been perfect. Everything has been beautiful and the quality time I’ve spent with my wonderful husband has been awesome BUT not a second has gone by when Natey has not been on my mind. Natey is staying with Grosi in Switzerland, playing in beautiful green pastures, cruising through farms, making all kinds of jams and storing fresh honey with Grosi, not to mention playing with his cousins. I am, however, very happy we didn’t bring him. Nothing we have really done has been baby friendly. The transit system here is not very baby friendly, and any luggage is limited to one item per guest (Natey alone had 3). There are stairs everywhere and no stroller, as good as they are, would do well here. Our constant moving about between cities would have been horrible for him, especially the train system. So I don’t regret my decision but it has been hard on Z. He has had to constantly tell me how Nathan would have been unhappy. If, however, you decide to bring your baby here, definitely bring your carrier (Ergo) or make sure your baby is walking already. It would also be better if you stay in one city versus moving around every couple days.
The breakdown
So a couple days ago after speaking to Nathan (more like me talking to him and listening to him giggle), I was extremely sad and unable to function. I returned to our room where I prepared myself a bath, got in and sobbed. I cried and cried until I couldn’t even gasp for air. Z walked in. He tried his best to console me but I just needed to let it out. I pulled myself together and finished my bath. Surprisingly I felt a thousand times better. I thought about all the pros and cons and how Nathan would feel and came to the conclusion that I had made the best decision. I miss my little love bug so much and frankly cannot wait to hold him in my arms but in the meantime I’m going to enjoy the time I have with my love, Z.
Sweet dreams everyone 🙂
Confessions of a Wife, Mother & Cook 