M: We had grand plans today of heading over to Burano, a little island nearby, for the day. Venice has a very relaxing effect on us, so we spent most of the morning lounging and drinking cappuccinos. By the time we got our act together we figured it was too late in the day for the hour long boat ride and a real visit around the island. This suited us fine and we’ve promised ourselves that we will be ready tomorrow morning, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, for the ferry ride.

S: We instead wandered some more, which is endless fun in Venice, and found Meaghan a pair of black Italian leather boots. After our shoe giddiness subsided (well, mine anyway) we indulged in a couple of affogatos and played crib on a beautiful set of stairs leading down to a turquoise canal. Venice feels like the calm after the storm that was our last few hours in Florence.

We decided today was the day we would bite the bullet and jump on the Venetian bandwagon… Or more specifically a Venetian gondola!

M: We shopped around the canals for quite a while, not for a better price because it’s all very regulated but instead for a hot, young gondolier. Tragically, we failed. After grabbing some mulled wine and watching a few gondolas go by, we chose our gondolier and set off. By this time in the afternoon the sun was starting to go down and was casting a golden glow on the city.

Good thing we were done our mulled wine by the time we got going because the boats are very tippy! Gondoliers must have some serious core strength to paddle, balance and navigate the long, tippy gondolas through the narrow canals all day. The ride started on the grand canal, then went winding through the side canals. Our gondolier pointed out a few historical landmarks as we slid by. We recognized a few of our regular bridges and squares too, like the square with the best kebabs.

S: It was so lovely. We joked a lot about how this was our most romantic date ever. I’m really happy I can now say that’s an experience I’ve had… regardless of the lack of gondoliers our own age!

We stepped off the tippy gondola near the Rialto Bridge, and set off towards home. The sun lowered over the grand canal completely and by the time we reached our door, it was dark and chilly. On our stroll we were met with the very tempting offer of “Free limoncello shots and free massage?” from a man on the street corner. NO. NO THANKS. This was an easy one to pass up and we hurried along.

M: Quote of the day from Savanna as we’re walking around, “Every time we pass a gelato place we may as well be passing a very hot man because…” and then she leered heavily at the gelateria we were passing.

S: Tonight is laundry night (our usual romantic date) so now we are sitting playing crib in a neon green self service laundry. And you know what? We couldn’t be happier.

S&M