Another intriguing place in Europe is Venice, Italy. How can you not be intrigued by Venice? I mean c’mon, the city is built on water people!
Venice is a funny place as well. When traveling there the best advice I got from guides and 
other people who have been there was to actually GET LOST. Doesn’t that seem a bit absurd? Well after experiencing it, I really don’t think it was the worst thing that ever happened, and I will tell you why. Since Venice is a city on water, there was no room to build big streets and passageways. So in turn there are only little alleyways and very small roads to walk on. Once you are there, you are required to walk or bike everywhere. Because of the way it is built, Venice’s character enlies in places you would never find unless you were…”lost.” Venice is a maze with beautiful flowers and great architecture to be found. Getting lost usually isn’t my first thing on my list to do when traveling, but in Venice it was the best thing I could have done. Oh, and don’t worry, you can always have a friendly Italian help you if you REALLY have to get going.
I suppose if you have the money you could also take a gondola everywhere. Riding on a gondola as a tourist is fairly expensive (about 60 Euro) and very worth it. While touring Venice on the gondola, I felt like I was on the scene of a movie. Beautiful is an understatement. I even was able to see Casa Nova’s original home! Riding on a gondola doesn’t necessarily have to be a romantic experience because I went with a bunch of friends, but if you did have your significant other with you it would be very romantic indeed.
The whole idea of “getting lost” sounds like an awesome time! I think if I ever planned a trip to Italy I would set aside a day to get lost, based on your advice. It sounds like you had an amazing trip in Europe. I went to France my senior year of high school and it was the best money I have ever spent. The best part was that I stayed with a host family, which made my experience even more unique and special. Did you visit France on your trip through Europe? Where did you stay in your travels?
By: Kayla on November 3, 2008
at 3:24 pm
I can totally agree on getting lost! I went to visit my two older sisters when they studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain. While I was in Europe we went to Rome and Paris. You really can find so much from just wondering the city. I think this is because you aren’t headed for all the tourist areas and you really get to get a feel for the heart of the city. You can just stumble upon some really great things! Plus…you always have some pretty hilarious stories for your friends and family back home!
By: Lauren on November 5, 2008
at 3:45 am
Your pictures are gorgeous! I was in Italy last April and had the opportunity to visit Florence, Pisa, Cinque Terre and Lucca. Unfortunately time constraints would not allow me to visit Venice but I really wish I had! From what you’ve said Venice seems like a beautiful, unique city. Next time I travel I will def. take this recommendation into consideration.
By: Molly Kubic on November 5, 2008
at 5:01 pm
Lauren–It seems like from what you say it the city you visited in Spain would also be really fun to get lost. It is really true that getting lost definately makes for a lot of funny stories. We ended up seeing a gypsy who was practically chasing us for some money…a little scary yet very funny lol.
By: jax09 on November 9, 2008
at 9:52 pm
Kayla– I wouldn’t steer you wrong! Your trip abroad sounds really amazing as well! Yes, infact I did go to France on my trip. Our last stop was in Paris for two days. It was a really amazing city…I absolutely loved it!
By: jax09 on November 9, 2008
at 9:57 pm
Molly–Thanks for the Kudos on the pictures! I really had a hard time figuring out which pictures to get rid of and which pictures to keep becuase I ran out of memory half way through the trip!
I would love to go back to Italy and visit the cities you mentioned!
By: jax09 on November 9, 2008
at 9:59 pm
Wow, Venice sounds amazing! I have been to Italy but didn’t get the opportunity to visit there! I agree with Molly, your pictures are amazing! I know when I was in Italy I couldn’t put my camera down, everything looks like its straight out of a story book! I have always wanted to ride on a gondola, so jealous!
By: ashleya87 on December 4, 2008
at 11:30 pm