Venice

Randy and the kids had a couple days off for Ascension so we decided to head out and explore another destination.  We were originally going to go to Munich, but decided against it since we were having a hard time finding lodging and I wanted to wait to go to Lego land since we just did Disney.  When we found out there was a big football (soccer) match we officially switched gears and set our sights on Venice.  We tried out VRBO or Vacation Rental by Owner, which is cheaper than hotel for a family of 5.  Hotels do not have rooms to accommodate a family of 5 and you can't put 5 in one room so you end up getting 2 rooms.  VRBO has a great selection of apartments and houses available all over the world.  We settled on a 3 bedroom apartment between Rialto bridge and San Marco square, a great location!!

Kids on Rialto bridge.

This would also be our first road trip since I dragged my feet at making train reservations.  Randy was wanting to go a road trip, but not sure if this one was on top of the list.  While it was cool to take in the scenes and go through St Bernard tunnel, it was a bit stressful getting used to driving in Italy.  Let's just say they are a little more aggressive than what you would expect in Minnesota.  We arrived at the parking garage, grabbed our luggage, and were off to the Vaparetto, or boat to get to the apartment.  We were finally settled and ready to head out for a bite to eat right after Randy got his phone connected to wireless internet.  That didn't go as planned and Randy ended up cutting his hand on the glass table he was "gently" sitting on.  He cut himself pretty good, but my non-MD opinion was a big bandaid and we would be good to go.  We would avoid a trip to the hospital and head off for some yummy Italian food.

Our first full day was a busy one with mask painting in the morning and a private walking tour in the evening.  The kids were very excited for both, but the mask painting definitely topped the list.  We went to Ca' Macana where they have a store and a workshop for mask painting.  We learned a little about the history of the Venetian masks, but the kids were very excited to get started on their masks so we got straight to work.  They could each paint 2 and mom and dad even got to paint one while the other took pictures and helped Aaron.  Here are some pictures from our mask painting.

Aaron and I painting our mask.  Aaron had his own vision while I was getting instruction on a specific technique.

Hailey painting her first mask, which was a little dark, but very cool.

Sydney putting on the final touches to her first mask.

Randy even gave mask painting a try.

The kids with one of their finished products.

We took our time walking back to the apartment to rest before our evening "Ghost Tour".  The kids were very curious what this tour would entail and while it wasn't really a ghost tour, we did get to see parts of Venice we wouldn't have seen or noticed otherwise.  We learned about why all the corners had cement or marble shelves in them, which werent' really shelves.  They were used to prevent thief's from hiding around a corner and robbing someone walking in the streets.  They were built such that you couldn't sit or stand on them, and the kids tried to on practically every one we saw.  We learned about how it was built and how the wells were used in the middle of most squares.  Our guide was wonderful and would have taken the kids home if we let her.  The kids loved her and we just walked behind and she held their hands or they would run ahead and she would yell "stop", which they promptly did.  How come that never works for mom and dad???

We stopped by the Ferrari shop to get a quick picture.  Aaron thought the store was awesome!

Picture of Grand Canal

The kids, or should I say Hailey and Aaron, having fun at the water fountain!

On our tour we stopped at a wood shop where they were making oars and other parts for the gondolas.

Randy and the kids on Rialto bridge.

Saturday was our relaxing day where we took in some shopping and finally took a gondola ride.  The kids were most excited for this part of the trip after seeing them in the canals.  It was a very relaxing ride and it was sad to see it end.  As I mentioned early we decided against Munich because of the soccer tournament only to learn the Venice was hosting the America's Cup.  We did go down before they were starting and took a few pictures, but it was time to get back since Randy had arranged a sitter so we could go out for dinner without the kids.  The kids had a great time with the sitter and we had a wonderful meal.  I had the best tiramisu I have ever had, it was delicious!!!

Quick picture for the end of our gondola ride.

Waiting for the start of America's Cup.

Hailey with her Venice purchases - purse and hat.

Bridge of Sighs - part of the old prison that connected it to the interrogation rooms.

Saturday morning Randy and I woke to the apartment shaking and we couldn't figure out what was going on.  Randy thought there was a big truck or something, but that was clearly not possible since there aren't motor vehicles in Venice.  In the morning I asked Randy if Italy has earthquakes.  We weren't sure so I googled to only learn that there was an earthquake that had killed 7 people.  Fortunately the kids slept through it and there wasn't any damage to Venice because of how far away we were from the epicenter.  We made it safely home and am looking forward to some time at home, so I can plan our next vacation : )