Day 37

Hi Everyone,

     Another full day for me. It started out so great, at breakfast I had such a nice conversation with the server. He has been working at this hotel for 15 years and said he loves everyday. He commutes 40 minutes by boat to come to work and absolutely loves Burano the island where he lives. He said he has lived his life with no regrets and happiness begets happiness. What a nice way to live, I try to live my life that way as well. He told me to have no plan for the day and to just walk and see where it takes me. He also told me that Venice has no crime at all. He is the third person that has told me that. Can you imagine? So I did grab my map just in case because it is pretty confusing here and as I was leaving the hotel the man at the front desk suggested that I go to a concert tonight that was being performed in a church not far from the hotel. I thought that sounded like a good idea so I got a ticket and I was off for the day. It was so nice because everyone was gone, the streets empty. I realized what a big deal Carnivale was, there were men breaking down displays and temporary stages etc. The city looked totally different. I love the quiet. So there were many opportunities for personal photo shoots today:) I will include some of them in this blog. I took so many pictures because this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen.
    

     While I was on one of my photo shoot moments (always when no-one is around) so today was perfect, I was at this beautiful spot, set up my camera and started having fun, then out from around a corner this man says he saw me from inside of his store and asked if I wanted him to take my picture. So he took one, I was so embarrassed. It turned out that he was a Murano glass creator and as I walked by his window he had made these gorgeous shells. There are glass shoppes everywhere here but I haven't seen any that had anything this unique or beautiful. So I went in and he laughed. I was looking at the shells and he asked if I had a couple minutes. I said I have all the time in the world and he created before my eyes the cutest little starfish. He gave it to me.... I purchased the shell as well because I loved it. Everyone I have met is so nice. When I was leaving he asked a women in the store to take our picture so that I would remember him.

Wasn't that cute of him? He was really a talented man. I wish I could have had about 10 of those shells, they were so pretty. But I have one and I am happy to have it. It is so feminine and delicate. I can't wait to show you!!!!

  The next thing on my agenda was to find my daily fix of Gelato, I did and yummmmeeeeee is that good.
  I did get a little mixed up while walking but I knew I was south so I kept walking south and found my way back. Thank goodness for a good sense of direction. How do you like the pictures today? I did good with the photo shoots don't you think? Maybe I am a dork, I hope not. The good thing is I have been walking off all of the Gelato I am eating and ravioli, linguini, pizza, cookies and wine:) The food is just so good here. The best actually. I didn't even like pasta before I came to Italy and I thought cheese was on everything. No it's not. My friend at the restaurant knows I don't like cheese and thinks it's funny so he gives me a bite of different types to try. I'm open to trying it and there are a few types I like.

Well I am making my way back to the hotel to download pics and rest a little before I go to the concert. The church that it is in is really pretty, the picture that I am putting in is a bit blurry but it does show the beauty of the church.  The girl at the church told me exactly where to sit where the acoustics are the best.
 I went back to the hotel and took an hour nap, so cool to do that:), had dinner at my restaurant (raviolis with porcini mushroom sauce) incredible as always and walked back to the concert.
   Oh my gosh it was amazing "Concerto Interpreti Veneziani" with music by Antonio Vivaldi. It was emotional music, full of passion and inspiration. I absolutely loved it. A must do if ever in Venice. Another must do is to stay at The Hotel Flora , it is outstanding. Thank you Nancy for sharing this little gem with me. You said if I didn't like this hotel I wouldn't like any of your picks. Well you can recommend anything to me after this. I love it:)
    I had another great day and one more to spend in Venice. I haven't decided what's on my game plan tomorrow but maybe take a boat to Burano and check it out.
      I have chosen a few personal things in life that I am so grateful to have chosen, my kids (my greatest choice EVER), my education and this trip. I am savoring every moment.
                                                     Sending love, happiness and gelato,
                                                                                        Laura

Thought for the day:

I think life is about being the best person you can be and a big part of that is just to be nice. Simple but true.