We only had one section of class today because at noon we had to leave for Venice!! During class we were learning characteristics and how to describe people so we played Headbands in Italian! It was hilarious hearing people try to ask questions about who they were. It was also hilarious see who Italians think are famous people in America — Brad Pitt and Beyonce are their favorites! After class we found the pizza place we tried to find yesterday, but it was closed so we went into another that had huge slices and you got the pizza by the slice! It was delicious! Then we headed off on the four hour bus ride to Venice! We stopped about half way at this rest stop with a huge convenient store! We got chocolate, gummy watermelons, and Pringles!! We ended up eating them all on the ride! Once we got to Venice we had to get a permit for the bus to drive any closer to the city — there are no cars in Venice. Then we hopped on a ferry to take us into town!! It reminded me so much of home! It was absolutely gorgeous, such a sunny day, boats and colorful houses everywhere!! It was only a short walk to the hotel after the ferry where we got our room assignments (we got to pick so my homies and I are finally together!). We then set out on a walking tour to help us get our bearings… well it didn’t work lol. After we left the walking tour (it ended in the middle of town) we tried to go out and search for dinner. Venice is absolutely beautiful but it is impossible to know you’re way around. Every building looks the same, every canal looks the same, and there are not large landmarks to be able to look for to go in the right direction. Also, since it is currently Carnivale, there are people in elaborate costumes everywhere, with large stilts, throwing confetti, etc. It is so elaborate and fascinating because it is so similar to America with the costumes, yet it is so much more dignified because no one is drunk or dressed sleazily. It was honestly beautiful seeing all of the costumes. After about an hour or so of walking looking for a restaurant we finally found one. Everything here is so expensive!! The cheapest place we saw for dinner was 13 Euros… Expensive for college kids! The food was amazing though. I finally got Gnocchi!! It was in this cheese sauce that I literally dipped bread in until the plate was clean, yet again. I cannot get over the food. The culture in this country is absolutely amazing. After our dinner that should have been served on gold platters, it took us about another hour to get home because we were so turned around and had no idea where we are going. But we finally made it!! On the way home I also got a mask made in Italy!! There are a lot of the ones made in China like back at home, but there are some that are made in Italy! Most of them ranged from 15-100 Euros, but I found a stand on a side street where the owner did not speak any English and he gave me one for 5 Euros! I am so excited!! A lot of people got super elaborate, hand painted ones, but I love mine and it was worth the 5 Euros considering I will probably only wear it this weekend and then keep it sitting somewhere as a memory and souvenir. Now the hotel room… it has two bunk beds and two normal beds but it is quite small… but it sure is an adventure! And I don’t even really have words for the bathroom other than you could probably pee and shower all at the same time… oh and brush your teeth too. But I truly believe that experiences like this strengthen a person and anyone who is given the chance should study abroad and have to experience other cultures and gain a better knowledge of how other people live their lives around the world. I never would trade traveling for anything because experiences like having a tiny bedroom with 100 year old sheets and no shampoo is what makes us appreciate home. But it also helps us to grow as a person and relax and be able to adapt to any situation and still make the best of everything. Needless to say, I am going to be a broke adult because I don’t think I will ever stop traveling!