Ciao!

I woke up this morning still pretty sleepy. Spent the night tossing and turning with excitement and worry. Most prominent on my mind was how to get into Venice from Mestre (where my hotel was). Without going back to the airport, I had no clue how to get to the city. Lucky for me, the man at the counter was able to point in the direction of the nearest bus stop, and he also mentioned breakfast was still being served. After some yogurt, biscuits and orange juice (and an apple to go) I hopped onto the bus for the quick 10 minute ride into Venice.

As soon as I was out of the crowded bus station I was immediately stunned by Venice's charm. Beautiful tall canal homes surrounded by boats and bridges, with baskets of flowers in the windows and laundry hanging out to dry. It is another gorgeous warm day and the 15 minute walk to my hostel was very nice. I rung the buzzer to A Venice Fish and after findinbg my way through a kinda creepy set of stairs I met by Mimo. He check me in and showed me around the hostel. It is more like a converted canal home, with large tables, 3 sofas and dozens of chairs in the living room area. There are large windows that open up to a small balcony overlooking the square below. The rooms all have multiple beds and bunks in each. I'll be sharing my room with 7 other people, and was lucky enough to snag a bottom bunk. There are 2 bathrooms (for about 30 people), so that should be interesting. Anyway, after dropping off my stuff I headed out in search of an internet cafe. I finally found one, and here I am. I don't have any exciting plans for the rest of the day. I just need to be back by dinner, which is at 8:30. I'm looking forward to it, hoping to make some new friends.

I'll try to write more tomorrow and let you know how it goes :)

Have fun!

Jess