Carnevale- Days 2 & 3

We, of course, slept in on Saturday and went to Murano, which is a separate island. We finally found a ferry and after only getting a little confused as to which one to take (think a complicated bus system, but in a different language, and not buses, but ferries), we managed to get to the island.

We wandered for a bit, did some shopping, which of course was a huge priority. Murano is well-known for their glass-blowing, so we simply had to get some authentic Murano glass jewelry!!! My favorite part was that in every shop window there was a sign that said, "This store sells only Murano products. Whoever buys goods imported from China kills Murano." That's a bit harsh... After making our way down the main street, and by street I mean on one side of the large river that divides the island in two, we found a factory, but lo and behold the factory was closed on Saturdays, including the weekend of Carnevale, which I would assume is one of the busiest weekends. We made our way back the way we came from, only on the other side as to not miss those stores. A nice man told us where we could find a demonstration and we saw them blow glass! At first, I was thinking, "Okay. That's great. I don't understand what the big deal is, though." Then he made a gorgeous mustang statue with about 4 quick movements and then I was impressed.

We went back to the apartment, had our second family dinner, and got ready for night 2. Night 2 was awesome, but somehow I don't really want to explain the details, as I'm sure it would make all of you very nervous and concerned... Ask me again in 10 years and I'll give you the deets. Everyone ended up fine.

Sunday, we slept in, met up with the other JFRC (or J-Force) kids and split up. Some went to check out of the hostel and get the deposit back while the rest of us waited for the other group who were leaving their luggage at our place for the day. We went back to San Marco's and got some more awesome pics. Definitely my favorite part of the day was when this huge group of guys (think of 10 frat guys, only Italian) dressed up as cows attacked me and yelled "MOO!!!" Gosh, I miss Wisconsin...

We went back, had our last family dinner, chilled, and went out for gelato before we left for the train station, which was a good 20 minute walk from our apartments. We got there with 1 1/2 hours to spare, though, but by then we were so tired we just didn't care.

Then came the ride home.

Words cannot describe how awful it truly was. We were supposed to have a cabin to ourselves, but when we got there, 2 African men, who smelled horribly of urine and alcohol, were sprawled out on our seats. They didn't understand that it was our cabin and didn't speak English. After a mild freak out by one girl, we found a man who explained that they had to leave, which they eventually did. Unfortunately, they left their horrible odor behind. Luckily, that same girl came prepared with Febreeze. After 2 good sprayings, we were able to suck it up and go in. I still couldn't fall asleep, though. Those of you who have had the pleasure of living with me know that I tend to freak out if I can't fall asleep. That, coupled with the odor, the cramped space, the creepy guy drumming his nails on the other side of the door, and the fact that I knew I had a long day of classes ahead of me, kept me from sleeping. I think I finally dozed off for a grand total of 2 hours, though!!!

Looking back on all the experiences I had, Venezia. Was. Epic.
End of story.