Wednesday was our second day in Venice and last full day in Italy. We're determined to make the most of it.

We enjoy another day of sleeping in. We have no planned tours of Venice...we're exploring on our own. Dani & Nicole were due to arrive around 1pm...so we just hung out most of the morning after getting breakfast.

Once we all met up. We decided to take our first ride on the waterbus (vaporetto). This seems like the mode of transportation for most Venetians. The stop is like a regular bus top...except it's a little boat coming to scoop you up. We took Bus route 1 down the Grand Canal to take in the sights. It's amazing how these buildings and walkways were built in the midst of so much water. As we wind down the canal, we get off at the stop for the Rialto Market. This 'street' is filled with merchants...selling food, souvenirs, clothes...you name it. We did a little shopping then got back on the vaporetto for the San Marco Piazza stop.

I realize that Venetians must have a lot of patience, because getting around by waterbus isn't the quickest route. You did see some water taxis and occasionally those with their own boats.

We finally made it to St. Mark's Square. The square was just want I imagined...full of pigeons. Not just regular pigeons, but jumbo pigeons. These were fattest things I've seen in my life. There are stands in the square where you can purchase food to feed these greedy little creatures. The square itself is beautiful with the basilica on one end and little cafes on each of the sides.

We decided to take a break and warm up at one of the cafes. Ebonee and Danella had hot chocolate which was literally hot chocolate or fudge. Verrry very rich. Dani, Nicole, and I opted for a drink called Hot Choco Nuts.. I think it was Chocolate, Baileys, Hazelnut, with whipped cream. Very yummy! It was even served with a cookie spoon. However the enjoyment turned into dismay when we realized that our little hot chocolate was almost $20! When the dollar is weaker than the Euro....ALWAYS read the fine print!

Warmed up..it was now time to take part on the famous gondola ride. The five of us were ready to ride! For 80 euros (thankfully split 5 ways), we began our mini cruise down the canals of Venice. Unfortunately our gondolier didn't have on all of the get up - the stripe shirt and the hat....and no he didn't sing either. That's an extra fee, and honestly he didn't look like much of an entertainer. Despite all that, we had a great time finally experiencing the gondola ride! The ride lasted almost 45 minutes, and in good time, because it was getting cold and dark.

We concluded our last night in Venice and Italy, with a little shopping. Venice has many cute little stories tucked in its little alleys. We were going to check out the Casino, but it looked a little high profile to us.

So we said farewell to Dani and Nicole...got our last gelato, and headed back to Hotel Abbazia.

Venice had such a whimsical feeling to it.... I'd love to come back when its a lot warmer! But we definitely enjoyed the cozy character to it that the cold weather brought.