Venice Day 3- Our final day

Going down the canal
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I awoke early this morning.  I had wanted to take the ferry down the Grand Canal during the daylight and this was my last chance.  I hoped on one near the railway station and away I went.  I sat in the back, shivering in the cold just to get some good pictures and views of the Canal.  I got off the ferry by San Marco's Square at around 8:10 to seeing the Sun just peering over the horizon.  I had told Natalie I would be back at 8:30 so figured it would be quicker to walk back then wait for the ferry to take me back.  Mistake.  I got lost in the maze that Venice is and found myself sprinting through the side streets trying to find my way out.  I had to ask for directions twice and finally found the Rialto Bridge just after 8:30.  I was lucky enough to remember the path back to our hostel from there and arrived just around 8:40, with Natalie in a somewhat pnaic wondering where I was.  I was exhausted though.  I had been running off and on for almost a half an hour.

Neat architectural building
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From the hostel, we stopped at some more shops on our way to the bus stop.  Finally, we boarded the bus with plenty of time to spare.  We had learned our experience from the last time when we were in Vienna.  Everything went smoothly and we made it on our plane with no rush or panic.

We arrived back in Prague at around 1:00.  That night, Natalie and I did some shopping.  I bought myself some very nice crystal wine glasses as an early birthday gift from my mom and me.  I am excited to get back to the states and use them.  Later that evening, I attempted the packing and was quite successful.  I fit all my Christmas gifts and other trinkets I am bringing home in there.

Famous view in Venice... not really sure why though
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This week I also went to check out a local swimming pool with my friend Lubos.  A little different then what I am used to in the states.  They don't have spring diving boards at indoor pools, just two platforms at this one.  Also, I only saw one guy wearing a typical american swimsuit... the rest wear speedos.  The kids are allowed to play gaames like chicken fighting and I saw them run on the deck without getting in trouble.  Us americans are apparently extremely safety conscious!  I do plan on going back and working out there in January.  Just need to remember to bring back my suit, googles, and purchase a hair thingymajig.  Never worn one before, in case you can't tell.

On Grand Canal with Italian flag
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Natalie and I leave for the States on Thursday morning.  We are both very anxious to be heading home.  I am in Minneapolis until the 3rd of January.  I am excited to see my mother and attempt to make some great Czech food with her.  Nacho has also come to live with her temporarily and I am thrilled to see him and help him gain back some of the weight he has recently lost.  And lastly, Casey comes in Friday night.  It has been over four months since we have seen each other.  With my mother, we are planning on decorating a Christmas tree and seeing a play the first weekend he is in town.  He returns again January 30th and has gotten us a hotel room in downtown Minneapolis to ring in the New Year.  Should be a wonderful time.  Hope everyone has a happy holiday!  Miss you all and hope to see some of you while I am home.  If you want to get in contact with me, please call my mothers house.  Love you lots!