I felt so at home in Venice. Maybe it's the fact that I love water. Put me by the ocean, a lake or the pool, and I'm happy, and there's water everywhere in the city. Canals, gondolas and a slightly salty smell abound throughout Venice, and I felt like I was in paradise.

I only spent a day there, so like in Florence, I spent more time touring the city in general rather than visiting specific sites. We got a lot of use out of the Venetian waterbus system (the boats go through the canals like buses go through the roads). The taxis are also boats, although we didn't use any of them. The water was a really pretty blue-green, teal color that was fairly clean, considering the size of the city. Being ferried around the city with the sun on my face and the wind in my hair was the perfect end to my Italian journey.

We also went to the island of Murano, well-known for its glass blowing, which was a few minutes away from the city. The streets were lined with furnaces and shops selling handmade glass figurines, clocks, bowls and jewelry. The craftsmanship was amazing, especially with the animal figures; they were so detailed and intricate.

The most famous piazza in Venice is Piazza San Marco, which opens up onto the water and contains St. Mark's Basilica and the Clock Tower, (Torre dell'Orologio). We went up the tower and the view was fantastic. Clear water and orange roofs as far as the eye could see. And the belltower is functioning, as we experienced firsthand at the top (I don't think I have permanent ear damage).

My visit to Italy came to an end way too soon. I almost didn't want to get on the train to Paris. Italy is the most beautiful place I've ever been, both in terms of scenery and the cities. The food is delicious and I'm definitely coming back.

The weather in Paris is looking great for the next week, so I'm excited for some good excursions through the city. Au revoir, and thanks for reading!