Glorious Day!

One year down and many more to come. The past year has provide many ups and downs, and through it all we are grateful to God for everything and everyone in our lives. To our family and close friends, thanks for all the love and support. I love my wife!.................would write more about our day in Rome but the battery is dying, quickly dying. Happy anniversary to us!

Is that a Roman Soldier?

Today was the ever so fun travel day. Good bye to our friends in Venice and off to new friends in Rome. We spent most of the day on the train, but don’t think for a second that interesting things stayed away just because we had no big plans. While waiting for the train we were approached by the local police who asked to see our passports. At first it seemed as though they were going to detain us but after a few minutes of awkward communication, they let us go get on the train. In the train we were greeted by our French neighbors across the table. They we kind, no speak the English, but the man did not hesitate to offer up his chocolate. Good it won’t be hard to travel with these nice folks. Then about 15 min into the ride the man began to sneeze and cough with no sense to cover his mouth. So, for the next few hours this Frenchman across from Natalie was letting it out all across the table and towards Natalie. Needless to say she didn’t enjoy the gesture. (I thought it was rather funny) We got to Rome and realized that we were no longer in Venice. Walking through the train station in Rome, Natalie quickly proclaimed “I feel like we just left Hawaii and arrived in New York City.” Yep, Rome was a bit chaotic. First thought, Rome is a lot less expensive then Venice. Seriously like 70% less. (BIG difference) We ate at the McDonalds with probably the best view of any McD’s in the world. We saw a Roman soldier on his smoke break at the Spanish steps and bartered for a nock off bag. Fun, fun, and more fun. Oh, even stopped by the Trevi to throw in a coin. The jury is still out on Rome, but I must say so far so good……by the way still no sign of a Starbucks anywhere.

Glass House

While taking in Venice for the first time all I could think was, “…not what I expected.”, but certainly not in a bad way. Being here now all I can express to be true is that no matter what you have heard, read, or seen, when you actually experience Venice it is much different then you expect. Some how it is better, more relaxing, more spectacular, and dare I say more romantic. I must say I like the Italians so far. They are friendly, helpful and genuinely seem glad to see us. Food, excellent. Museums, interesting. Prices, terrible. Culture, fun. Atmosphere, the best. Today we ended up at a Glass house where they blow Venetian glass. They make chandeliers, vases, and sculptures. As soon as we got there we were greeted by Alvaro, the manager. He was beyond nice and it didn’t take long to realize that he was smoozing us. After a while I began to think that he thought we were important, maybe famous, I don’t know. It was fun, well at least for a while. Out of no where, Alvaro began to try and sell us these glass chandeliers for around 6,000 euros (roughly 10,000 us dollars). When he realized that wasn’t working he offered us a vase for 4,000 euros. “one of one in the world”, Alvaro would say to drive home the sale. As if the uniqueness was somehow going to increase our bank account to the level we needed to afford these “one of one” pieces. His last ditch effort was to get us to by 2 teacups for 600 euros. After that he quickly pushed us out the door threw us in the boat and sent us away, literally. Still it was a fun experience and has added a great story to our time here in Venice. So to my friend, or rather old friend, here’s to you Alvaro, Grazie.