Venice

Wednesday was our last full day in Italy. We all woke up with this sad reality looming over our heads. But, we were encouraged by the location of our final day: Venice!

We jumped onto the bus after a quick breakfast and went into the city. Our bus had to drop us off before entering the city limits because vehicles are not allowed on the main island. From our bus stop we boarded a boat and travelled to Venice. What a glorious view this boat ride provided us. The boat took us by St. Mark's and dropped us off a  few blocks away. Perfect location!

From there we walked to our restaurant for dinner and left our music folders so we didn't have to walk around with them all day. Then it was off to St. Mark's square where our tour began. I can't emphasize how surreal it was to be in Venice, surrounded by water and behemoth/majestic architecture. And to learn about the history was intriguing. We toured the Doges palace, looked through St. Mark's and ended at a glass-blowing factory.

Venice is known for its glass-blowing. So we were able to see an actual demonstration and possibly purchase anything at the end of the tour. It was all beautiful...but very expensive.

After the glass-blowing factory, we had an extended free-time to just wander about the city. This was extremely relaxing and fun. Venice is a wonderful city to get lost in.

If we chose to, we could come back from the free-time an hour early and partake in a gondola ride through the canals of Venice. I chose to take advatageo f this option, and I'm so glad that I did! It was so nice to just get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and lay-back on the boat and enjoy the tranquility of the water/ride. We even heard an Italian man singing opera while playing accordion. How legit!

From there it was off to a delicious 3 course dinner. We all ate this scrumptious food, but anticipating the coming concert. When we were done with our dinner, we walked quickly to St. Mark's where we had our final concert. We sang during a mass, just like St. Peter's. The service was much smaller and seemed to consist of a more devoted congregation. There were so many emotions with this concert: singing in St. Mark's surrounded by so much history and architectural beauty, our final concert, my last tour concert as a senior, and the last concert with this specific choir. It was an incredible experience and I will remember it forever. I think we were all touched in a unique way as individuals and as a choir. It was wonderful.

Now it is Thursday and we are packing up the bus to head to the airport. I am very sad. The next time I write, we will no longer be in Italy. This is a sad day indeed. See you on the other side.