Day 36

 Buonjourno everyone from Venezia,
    Slept in today I did....isn't it funny I could sleep all day and no one would know? :) I got up around 9:30, that's not sleeping in too much, but I didn't want to miss breakfast:), I have to keep up my energy.

   I was on a mission today, because I found out last night that there are 5 Synagogue's in Venice, of course they are on the other side of the city from me, but that won't stop me. I just knew I would get lost and by some miracle I didn't. You would not believe it if you saw the streets and canals here and the walk was really far and there were so many people from the Carnivale. I was so proud of myself that I didn't get lost. So I found the Campo del Ghetto Nuovo, it was sad there, no people were around and the other part of the city was packed. I walked up to the museum and purchased the ticket that included the tour of the museum and three of the Synagogues. I didn't realize that Jewish people were treated so badly(outside of wars and things) even before the Holocaust. I know that may sound really naive but I just have never heard or researchd about it. So anyway back in the 1500's the Jews were restricted to this small area which is actually an island and at night the entrances were locked up so that they couldn't get out and to top it off the Jews had to pay for the guards. (I need to get a book on this when I get home.) Jewish people were only allowed to loan money (considered a sin to the Christians so that is why the Jews were allowed to do it.), sell 2nd hand merchandise or become Doctors (now I understand the meaning of "My son the Doctor"). It made me so sad and mad at the same time. Everyone that knows me knows how I feel about my faith and it makes me sad that anyone could be treated so badly, Jewish or otherwise. We toured the Synagogues (were not allowed to take pictures, Jewish law), I knew that one:) It was really interesting and the inside of the Synagogues were beautiful. I could go on and tell you more but I don't want to bore you.

     So after I left the Jewish area (I don't like the word ghetto either) I just started walking and decided I should have my first taste of Gelato in Italy. Big mistake!!!! It was outrageously delicious and a few minutes later I was at another place and had 1 more!!!! So worth it and I will have more tomorrow....

   So like I told you yesterday everyone is dressed up here.

How do you like the picture of the birdman, (well I think it was a man) and the others. There were so many extreme costumes and the people acted the parts. It was so funny. So of course I wanted to try it out so I did. What do you think? I just crack myself up:) Look at the guys behind me...Wayne if you're reading... I didn't buy the mask!!!!

     It was great walking because I saw so many areas and it was so much fun. I headed back and took so many beautiful pictures of the landscapes and canals.

     I got back to my hotel and went to the restaurant to have a cappuccino and the Chef was there from last night and asked if I was coming back tonight. I said  "I would love to" ,He asked what time I would like to eat and I said "How about 8?"  He said "See you then and I will choose something you will like" I arrived at 8 and he had my table all ready just like last night, complete with a glass of Pinot Grigio from this region. Mmmm... Dinner was again amazing and he brought me wine with every course. I love this little place.

    I thought I should walk down to the Piazza after dinner to check out the last night of Carnivale. Well it was crazy and there were people everywhere and an Italian man thought he needed to kiss me and he did. Out of nowhere I swear!!! Oh well it was just a kiss right? Well then he professed his love to me... A complete stranger... and the funny thing is he hadn't even been drinking. Italians, they're funny. He wanted to see me tomorrow and I said I was leaving. I made it back to my room and locked myself snuggly in. (No... he did not follow me back I made sure of that).

       I would say I have had a busy day and I have a full day planned for tomorrow as well. I just hope I don't run into Guiseppi (yes, I swear that was his name)

     Thanks for reading and thank you everyone for cheering me on, it means so much, you have no idea.

                                          Have a great day, I am going to sleep.

                                 Love, amour, amore, liebe, amor and ahava,
                                                                  

                                                                                 Laura

The Ten Commandments

Thought for the day:

When you have no expectations I feel you are always pleasantly surprised, when you have expectations it takes the joy out of the simple things