Have you ever had an over- the- top, never gonna happen, once in a life time, if you win the lottery, or became super lucky, kind of dream? A dream that you almost laugh at, never speak a word of because it might just be that crazy; a dream that no way, no how, could you ever see this happening, kind of dream? Venice was that. Venice was that dream; tucked in tight, deep behind our hearts, hoping, praying, once in a life time, the dream of all dreams, and if only we could spend a day, maybe even have just a little glimpse, kind of dream... that came true.
No words can describe our experience other than; speechless and unforgettable. Several times throughout our Anniversary weekend Brock and I would look at each other and just be in awe at how blessed we truly are. This weekend not only symbolized a celebration of our first year of marriage but it symbolized a fresh start to new beginnings and new possibilities, and of course, adventures. After all, who would have ever thought that when we said “I do” a year ago, we would be living in Italy, and spending our anniversary in all places, romantic Venice?
When we stepped off our train, it was like stepping into a movie, or even better, a post card. It was surreal. Time stood still and allowed us to just breathe in the fresh air of the water. We were greeted by the Canal Grande and the water was filled with boats and eager Gondola “captains.” Once we checked into; “the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at in my 22 years of living and 1 year of being married,” we took out the map and started walking the main island. Cobble stone streets led into Piazzas and alley ways where you found cute little homes all surrounded by water. The streets seemed so much bigger on the map because once you were actually walking them and making the turns down the streets and around the corners, it was a split second before you hit another bridge with water, and you crossed over into another part of town.
Our first day was spent exploring and being taken back by the most marvelous views. With our trusty map and Brock’s directional skills, we referred to our travel books, discussed our plans, and drew out our route to hit all of the main attractions. We walked to San Marco; the heart of the historic district, where the famous St. Mark’s Basilica is. We explored the Castel that is surrounded by water. We saw the famous bridge, Ponte di Rialot, which is noted for its engineering and its outstanding views. We went to San Polo where the main market is and we made our way to Dorsoduro where we saw the University and the Gallerie dell’ Accademia. There were so many more sights and attraction we came across, these are just some of the highlights. Even with our strategic game plan for the day, the atmosphere in Venice didn’t allow you to circum to a stressed, agenda driven mood. Venice only allowed you to be in love, relaxed, and laid back. We enjoyed a quite dinner and of course, Gelato, before we called it a night. We both tucked ourselves in giddy in disbelief that we were actually walking the streets of Venice. We were anxious to get started on our next day.
Our plan for our “Anniversary Day” was to take a boat to the island of Murano (where the blown glass is made). We made our way over to the Water Taxi Ticket Office where we tried to figure out how to buy a ticket to get on the boat to the island. It was going to be a little bit of money but Brock and I decided that this was a must see and it would be well worth the money. As Brock was standing in line to make the purchase, I was approached by a man who asked me, “Do you speak English?” I must say this was the first time I had ever really been asked this question where the person was hoping I did. “Si!” I replied like a ding dong! “I mean, Yes!” The gentleman explained how he and his wife were getting ready to leave and they had these tickets for the Water Taxi that were valid until later that night. It was perfect! Exactly what we needed and were looking for. These were actually an upgrade, better than what we were going to buy and way more expensive. He handed them to me. “It’s our anniversary today and you really blessed us.” I told him. I turned to tell Brock before he bought the tickets and to show him the man, but he was gone, nowhere to be found. Brock said he was our angel. In the littlest way that morning, God reminded us He is still providing. Brock and I got on the boat and made our way to Murano.
We watched a demonstration at the factory on how the glass was blown and made. It was an amazing art and it gives you an appreciation for all the pieces of Murano Glass that the galleries were selling. For our 1 year anniversary gift, Brock bought me a white, Murano Glass Love Knot sculpture with 24 karat gold blown into it when we were on the island. It was breath taking, beautiful, and such a special symbol of our day. I will cherish it forever. And one day, when it is displayed in our very own home, we will remember our trip to Venice.
To top off our anniversary day, we got dressed up and enjoyed a full 4 course dinner. At dinner we sat next to a couple who was very elderly. As the night progressed we realized they were speaking English and as we listened we heard them tell their story. They were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and this was the honeymoon they had saved up for. A knot grew in our throats, Brock and I both got really chocked up hearing this. “Wow, 50 years of marriage and they are here. 1 year of marriage, we are 22 years old, and we are in Venice. God is so good.” We just smiled at each other, with nothing more to say.
Our day couldn’t have been better. We spent the day, in love, with our best friend, in Venice. Just like we had a year ago, after our wedding night, Brock and I made our way to the bath tub. I know you may be thinking….”WHOA, HOLD YOUR HORSES… THIS IS TOO MUCH INFORMATION!” But hang tight! For those of you who know the story of our “first night”, you will appreciate the “year later.” For those of you who don’t know: our night after our wedding, in a nut shell; Brock and I attempted to take a bath together to ease my nerves. He slipped while getting into the tub and water came pouring out over the sides… just like in the movies. It was a huge disaster, but it broke the tension and made for a funny story. A year later, Brock and I make our way to the bath tub, and my husband gets this look of sheer pain across his face. As he was taking off his jeans he stepped on a safety pin that was holding together a rip at the bottom of his pants and it had opened, and went right through his foot...all the way in! We had to pull it out! Blood was everywhere; we stopped the bleeding and cleaned him up. We listened as the water was still running in the tub…and we just laughed! God has a sense of humor. How appropriate, a year later and another little mishap before a romantic bath.
Our last day was a sad one. We didn’t want to leave. It was the perfect little get- a- way for an anniversary. Our 1 year felt like such an accomplishment. Ups and downs, good times and bad, moments of planning and goal setting, and moments of complete uncertainty, all were appreciated and celebrated as we looked back during our big adventure in Italy. Venice will always have a special place in our hearts. We made a pact to look forward to our next year of big adventures and big dreams. Who knows what God will do with anniversary number 2.
Our hotel room at Boscolo Bellini. They were so nice there and even surprised Brock and I with Champaign on our anniversary. When we left they held our bag for us; which was Brock's big orange travelling football bag that said Milano Rhinos, they could not believe they had a "Celebrity staying there and did not know!" We were cracking up. While we checked out they looked him up online and everything!
Here is the view when we look outside our hotel.
Sights around Venice.
San Marco Piazza and Basilica
On our way to Murano with the Water Taxi tickets the nice gentelman gave us.
On Murano and the views around it.
Glass Blowing demonstration at the factory and galleria on Murano.
Exploring the beautiful island of Murano.
Anniversary night and dinner. My meal came out and I knew I ordered some type of fish dinner, pasta thing, but I had no idea it would come out black! Apparently it is an oil that this type of fish produces that turns it that color. It tasted great and Brock loved it too! At one point he looked and me and started chuckling...the black pasta turned my mouth and teeth black!
We took over 760 pictures! I still feel like they didn't do our trip and the sights justice.
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