The Tourists #HogsAbroad in Rome

My trip to Venice may not have been as action-packed as Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie’s, but it was still an adventure.

 

One of the amazing benefits of spending a semester abroad is the ability to travel around Europe during my free time. This is not only allowed by my architecture program, but is very much encouraged. During the week, four days are devoted to classes, leaving the other three open to plan and go on weekend trips. Furthermore, since trains and plane travel are so inexpensive here, it’s very feasible to go city/country hopping.

For my first weekend excursion of the semester, I and two friends journeyed north from Rome to Venice on a high speed train. We left on Friday morning arriving in Venice around lunch. After checking into our room, we set off to grab food and explore the city and its many winding canals.

That evening we plotted out a windy path to San Marco’s square, often stopping in to browse the stores of local artists and craftspeople. As fun as it was to wander the tight, winding streets looking at the canals and colorful buildings, it was just as interesting to step into a small shop filled with paper mache masks and talk to the person who made them all. Of course we had to buy some!

If our first day there was spent by leisurely window shopping and exploring the city without any set destination, the next day was spent with more definite destinations (if not a more definite timeframe). We began by walking to San Marco’s Square to see the bell tower and San Marco’s Basilica, a beautiful Byzantine cathedral built in the 11th century. Just like in the movie, The Tourist, we were surrounded by both tourists and pigeons. I am so glad we went during the off season!

From there, we attempted to go see Il Rendetore, a church designed by Andreas Palladio. Well, we got close…

We ended the day with a trip to the Guggenheim museum and dinner at a place near where we were staying.
The last day we were in Venice, or should I say afternoon since our train left at two, we went to the northern part of the Island and explored the Jewish Neighborhood and the surrounding areas. I was sad to be saying goodbye to this beautiful city, but was glad for the opportunity to come and the discoveries I made.

Top Experiences:

• Best Food: Gnocchi with Crab
• Best Drink: Prosecco with Pomegranate
• Best Local Treat: Fritella
• Favorite Place: San Marco’s Basilica
• Souvenir suggestion: Masks or Murano Glass

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Read more from Sarah at https://sarahromesitaly.wordpress.com
Check out http://studyabroad.uark.edu/romecenter for more information on the U of A Rome Center options.