As we regained our land legs, our new crew split up with plans to meet in Accademia around 1 at the raging pub. Everyone headed off on buses to hostels or hotels as we wandered aimlessly in circles, homeless yet again. No wifi to be found we popped into Casa Sant Andre right off of the Grand Canal. We had researched Venice hostels and knew one thing- they are expensive. We wanted to be in the city so we settled for a room out of our frugal budgets. Paninis and coffee settled us as we waited for our room, eager to wash the ferry floor off of ourselves. Timing was never our thing and before we knew it was 2 o'clock. Our map made the walk to Accademia seem easy enough so off we went for afternoon beers with the boys. Umm, not so much. Venetian streets are actually elaborate, small mazes of bridges and alley ways. About 45 minutes later we stumbled into a piazza and saw the bar. It was empty, as we expected, so we asked if a group of American boys had come through- to which we found out we had missed them by about 10 minutes. We scanned the area with open eyes & ears but knew the odds were unlikely to find them. Ok we admit it, we had a moment of gloominess as we tried to accept never seeing these travel buddies again. It was like camp had unexpectedly ended!! We would have been more bummed but we were to busy being completely obsessed with Venice. This city is unreal! As we winded about the maze in hopes of working our way to San Marco, crowds of people surrounded us on the narrow, water lined sidewalks. Suddenly as we approached a bridge, Jenny loudly squealed "BEN!". Believe it or not, there were Ben, Taite and Simon standing right in front of us.
We were apparently destined to enjoy Venice with our temporary little bros as we had randomly bumped into them once again, a crazy coincidence in a city made of mazes and moats and full of bustling people. This was run-in #3 so we just allowed what the universe obviously had in store for us. The boys wanted to take a gondola ride together so we quickly fed ourselves so that Jenny would be pleasant company on our ride. Our gondalier had been doing this for 37 years and we learned it is a very exclusive job with extensive training and specialized schools. Simon says only 3 are accepted a year! Sleepy Ben and Taite split up with Simon who wanted to find a museum. We said they could power nap at our hostel before meeting up with the Prague crew in Saint Marks Square at 6:30. The nap didnt go so well since we just spent the hour or 2 being lost.
We were apparently destined to enjoy Venice with our temporary little bros as we had randomly bumped into them once again, a crazy coincidence in a city made of mazes and moats and full of bustling people. This was run-in #3 so we just allowed what the universe obviously had in store for us. The boys wanted to take a gondola ride together so we quickly fed ourselves so that Jenny would be pleasant company on our ride. Our gondalier had been doing this for 37 years and we learned it is a very exclusive job with extensive training and specialized schools. Simon says only 3 are accepted a year! Sleepy Ben and Taite split up with Simon who wanted to find a museum. We said they could power nap at our hostel before meeting up with the Prague crew in Saint Marks Square at 6:30. The nap didnt go so well since we just spent the hour or 2 being lost.
We were nearly an hour late to Saint Marks but the few others that were there told us most of the group had never shown up. It was a sad ending to their bromance. Hungry again, the 5 of us scanned menu prices only to realize Saint Marks isn't really a backpack friendly budget place to dine. Nonetheless, one waiter lured us in with free garlic bread and we laughed over our over-priced dinner. This square is amazing... lively, bustling, beautiful and unique. Windows appear to be candle lit to the top floor, and the basilica Dome and bell tower glow, towering over us. There are live classical and jazz bands across the court from one and other, where hundreds of outdoor tables sit full of listening crowds, sipping their vino. There's definitely an element of magic to this spot. You're left wanting more... (preferably when you have a fuller wallet and a jacket :).
Taite's internal compass somehow got us home, which is right by the bus station to get themselves home, conveniently enough! Good chats and full bellies, it was time for everyone to sleep in a real bed. We said goodnight to these silly boys with plans for more fun tomorrow!
Groggy backpackers after a long 25 hours at sea
Bridges bridges everywhere
One of the most beautiful cities possible
Simon, Ben, our gondalier, Taite, us :)
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