So many things in the past few days. So many things. ALL OF THE THINGS!!!

The group has arrived and I picked them up from the airport and we set off for Venice. We have done everything from learning how to blow glass to riding godolas to eating crepes. It is so nice to be in like-minded company and surrounded by some of my favorite people. So many adventures have taken place and this trip is off to an amazing start. 

Monday we spent most of the day traveling to Venice and eating. Eating is key, folks- we're in Italy. We made friends on the train and they gave us local recommendations which took us to this amazing gelato place called "Alaska" which had crazy flavors like ginger and celery, as well as to several islands off the coast of Venice where we found the most amazing biscuits. More on that later though. That evening we went to dinner where I ordered what I would soon find out was black spaghetti, basically. We're sitting around having a brilliant time and here comes this bowl of pasta in a black sauce. Yes, leave it to me to order the most obscure (and delicious) item on the menu. Turns out the sauce was the ink from the Cuttle fish which is in the squid family and is a Venetian delicacy. See, I'm a local everywhere that I go. I just can't help it. Then there was airplane dancing in the piazza post dinner and a large debate over the all stone dog park. 

So here's the thing- there are a million dogs in Venice and not one single patch of grass. Where do they go to the bathroom? It's like an international incident and sparked major concern among our group. This is real life people- this is a public health concern and no one else seemed to be too worried about it except for us. 

The next day we spent most of our time wandering, eating, boat riding and enjoy frequent stops for refreshing beverages. It was literally the perfect day. After a day of traveling, it was just what we all needed. Part of vacation and travel is not having a plan, not being on a schedule and taking the wrong turn 20 times in a row. It's pretty much just like Sunday Funday, except on location and many days in a row. That is the definition of perfect travel in my mind. There is no such thing as lost when you are exploring a new place. No such thing at all. 

We stumbled upon San Marco Square and climbed the tower in the middle which yielded a gorgeous view of not only the Adriatic Sea, but the entire city of Venice. Also, we toured St. Mark's Basilica which was gorgeous in it's own right. Our shorts where too short, so we had to wear these amazing designer skirts: 

and Ashley took illegal pictures throughout the entire trip through the basilica. The number of times we had NO PHOTO yelled at us should probably be appalling, but I think it's just another day in the life of our group.  

Also, I spent some time painting the ocean with the locals. I thought it would be nice to be one with the Venetians, so what better way than to get my chameleon on. I've always thought of myself as a terrible artist, but I think I really found my niche in Venice. Apparently ocean scenery is my thing. hair flip. 

In the evening we met some people we know from the institute for dinner at one of the most amazing little restaurants that we found on a hidden side street. It was absolutely delightful. Along came an acordian player and we danced in the middle of this ally to the chicken dance, some polka, and some traditional Italian tunes. It was a beautiful evening and we finished it up with some gelato from "Alaska" and some bridge walking.

Huge thank you to the most adorable English gentleman ever that took this picture for us. Not only was the entire country of England on holiday there while we were in Venice, they were extremely helpful any time that we needed something. This gentleman in particular was absolute perfection. I wanted to put him in my pocket and take him with me for the rest of the summer. ah! love! #fangirling

Yesterday was the day of the islands. We went out to Murano Island which is where they blow the glass, which was entrancing to watch. He made a horse right in front of us. It was so life-like. I kept waiting for it to gallop right out the front door. Such an artist. 

I think I should take up glass blowing because I can only imagine the amount of calories they burn each day just from sweating in the work area due to the high temperatures. I could totally sweat my way to a six pack. Totally. Also, how cool would it be to say that I make glass horses and such for a living? Sorry counseling, glass blowing may win out. 

After that island, we went out to biscuit island. The real name is actually Burano Island and it is known for it's biscuit (cookies) and lace. The lace was gorgeous, but the real story is the biscuits. When I say I would gladly get diabetes if it meant I could live on this island and have a solid diet of biscuits every day for the rest of forever, I mean it. Also, there was a mustache cookie and that is really what won me over. I can't say no to a mustache.

Aside from that, We spent a great deal of time on the Vesperatta, which is the water boat service that takes you to and fro. To be honest it's been a full 24 hours since we were on a boat and I still feel myself swaying if I stand still for a moment. Either this means I am ready for my life as a water taxi driver or this means it's been to long since I've been on a boat and need some time to adjust. Either way, it's was a delightful day and it ended even more delightfully with a gondala ride with some of my favorite ladies- and Fabio. Oh, Fabio. Many loves, yo. 

Venice was full of so many amazing things and I dearly enjoyed every inch of it. However, it was time for us to move on to other adventures with a much larger group. Until next time, Venice..

We made the treck into Tusacany today via train and have finally arrived at Casa Cares for our institute, which means its time to do a little work (booooooooooooooo). However, we arrived much earlier than the rest of the participants so I was able to take a nice run for a few miles through the olive groves and vineyards which is always an excellent thing. It was the strangest thing when we got off the train in St Ellero and caught the bus up to the villa, it was like I was coming home. This place is so amazing and I had such an experience here with my last trip that I couldn't help but feel welcomed by everything and everyone around me.

Last year on this trip I made friends with the chef that works at the villa and she actually remembered me when we arrived and she told me that this year instead of just helping her bake focaccia, I am actually going to cook an entire meal for everyone one evening. So, say hello to chef Emilia and I graciously welcome you to my kitchen! 

When's the last time you cooked Italian food with aVenezuelan native in Tuscany? Exactly.

It is getting late here in Tuscany and I apparently have a meal to plan and wine to drink, so I will leave you all with those few pictures and tales to laugh, cry or yell at (whichever emotion they provoke inside of you). 

Stay on your toes, America and keep watching the road to the Women's College World Series, because I am missing every minute of it. I am envious of you following it.

Until the next time..