Today is our last day of our Journey Through the Boot. I can't believe it. We head back to the states tomorrow. We have had the experience of a lifetime, and I am utterly grateful that I got to share it all with my family. I know that I will take a piece of this trip back with me and I know that even when I used to come to Italy as a kid, a part of my heart will be left here.
Travel experiences change you, you know?
I did not book any tours on this trip. Although, I did try to get us into the Basilica, with no luck. I am telling you, take it from me, if you want to come to Italy and take a tour, you gotta book it WAY in advance. Some are pretty pricey, but some are really worth it.
*Tip - I used Viator and Walks Tours. They were great and they had experienced tour guides. No fluff here.
We started the day with...you guessed it, a GONDOLA ride. Our gondolier didn't sing fancy Italian songs or play an instrument...he simply whistled. 😁 Although, during our ride, we did see several other gondola rides with professional opera singers, people playing accordions, and the harmonica. I am assuming that was extra. 😏 The cool thing about that, we got to experience too, without the extra cost.
It truly was a relaxing ride. There is something about Venice that is calming. Maybe it is the water...not sure. But I feel totally at ease here. It is a perfect end to a perfect trip.
After the gondola ride, we checked out some art galleries, shops, the Rialto Bridge, churches, and ended up at the Piazza San Marco and the Basilica.
Venice, everywhere you turn, it is a postcard...everything is so beautiful. Sometimes the photos just don't do it justice. You have to experience it to believe it.
We have seen very little graffiti here; it is crazy how much graffiti is all over the place - especially what we saw in Rome and Florence. Thankfully, not on any of the historic landmarks.
Imma gonna warn you, there will be A LOT of pictures posted in this blogpost....
This was an awesome art gallery called Belair Fine Art Gallery. I couldn't take any pictures inside, but you have to check out Patrick Hughes. He has some really incredible work.
I need to find these artichoke looking flowers. Gorgeous!
Rialto Bridge
Basilica San Marco - Majestic
St. Mark's Campanile
Told you, everywhere you turn, it's a freaking postcard! By the way, when in Venice and you are at the Piazza, do not eat food or hold onto food of any kind. Legit, the seagulls will rip it from your hand! Although we did not experience this first-hand, we did see other people fall to the ground as the seagulls ripped their food out of their hands. I think we saw one person bleeding...It's a serious business out there....
We ended our last night in Italy with an amazing meal at La Caravella Restaurant (a Michelin Starred Restaurant), which is at our hotel. This was an explosion of flavors! Our server Ivan was simply incredible.
I had duck breast.
Lydia had pasta with duck ragu. She also tried octopus (we had that for our appetizer - didn't like it as much - but she tried it!
John had the Irish grass-fed filet.
My dessert La Caravella Rocher. OMG!!!
John had the Tiramisu.
Not pictured, Lydia's amazing ice cream, and our appetizers of octopus and another of seared scallops. YUMMO!
Ivan, the best in Venice!
During dinner, we all reflected on our Journey Through the Boot. It has been an amazing trip, filled with lots of memories, laughter, the most incredible food, the wine, the in-your-face-drop-dead-gorgeous landscapes/architecture, and truly, some wonderful people we have met along the way. Tears filled our eyes, especially mine. And Ivan, came to our table to comfort me. The chef stopped by and shook our hands, and we thanked him profusely for a MOLTO BELLO meal.
These kinds of experiences change you, my friend. Hopefully, for the good.
Here’s to the moments that become memories, and the journeys that shape who we are. 💗XOXO,
Claudine
Prego
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