Final Pics from Venice (including glass blowing)

Gondola Ride (thanks again Mom and George)

Eric's Final Thoughts from Europe (at least for now)

Well, I must say this has been a fabulous trip. I have enjoyed this whole experience immensely, and I think I also enjoyed this even more because I was with my best friend, my wife. While I enjoyed some experiences more than others, I wouldn't have changed any of them. Each experience gives me insight into the kind of things I would enjoy doing again should we plan a similar trip, and on the flip side, which things we could just as soon skip.

I am also looking foward to being back home. As much as I have enjoyed this experience and could probably continue to travel for a while longer, there is something nice about the comforts of home.

I must also say that writing this blog has been a fun way of keeping track of the journey as it has been unfolding. I look forward to rereading some of the things that I wrote when I return to the states. Thanks to everyone who followed along with us on this journey. I really enjoyed reading the comments that were posted.

We are going out to enjoy our last day in Venice, and then we have one more adventure, the night train. Jenny is a little nervous about the experience because we have to share a car with four other people. I must say that depending on who the four people are, it could be fun or a complete nightmare. I am hoping for the fun experience. We have already met several wonderful people on this trip, so I am hoping for a few more.

Well, au revoir and ciao from Europe. I look forward to catching up with everyone when we return. Take care!

Last Post from Europe (unless we miss our flight)

Well, it's hard to believe that 5 weeks have passed so quickly. But they were incredible weeks filled with adventure, magic and wonder.

Last night was the perfect culmination of our trip, we found a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant away from the touristy part of town, and enjoyed a fabulous dinner. I had to laugh, though, because I noticed that the lady was cooking with a box of Barilla pasta - the same stuff we can get back home. :-) But somehow, it tasted better here.

After dinner, we wandered around aimlessly, waiting for the sky to grow dark. And at the magical time of twilight, we took our gondolla ride. It was incredible beyond words... romantic, relaxing, and an interesting way to see parts of Venice. A few stars were out. Bats were flying overhead. Our gondolier whistled romantic Italian songs while he rowed us around the canals. He pointed out places of interest like the houses of Marco Polo and Cassanova. We learned that there are 360 bridges in Venice and 126 churches. Amazing. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and plan to do it again when we return to Venice (because this is a place worth coming back to!)

After our gondolla ride, we wandered back to St. Mark's square. Picture an incredible full moon shining on the square, orchestras playing romantic music, and stopping to dance at a random spot. That was our evening. We listened to music from "Phantom of the Opera", classical music, and even the song from our wedding, "What a wonderful world." I know I keep using the word "romantic" but I don't know how else to describe the experience. Sigh. I know my parents would love this experience, and Dad would especially enjoy the fact that all of the orchestras have accordian players. It's fabulous!

We've checked out of our hotel and have about 8 hours until our night train. So we are enjoying our favorite activity of wandering around. I hope everyone is well. The next time we chat we will be back in America. Looking forward to catching up with everyone in person. Ciao!