Dream Trip 2008: August

Great Travel Moment

Venice transcends the idea of place. It's much more than a city; it's a fantasy. Those who haven't been there feel as though they have. Before arriving on its shores, we all travel there vicariously through "The Merchant of Venice," Indiana Jones, and books detailing the mighty Venetian Republic. When I arrived in Italy, many things overwhelmed me: getting to my city, settling into my apartment, and meeting numerous people. I knew I was in Italy, but I had a hard time grasping it. Once I was settled in, I went to Venice to walk its cold canals in January. Crossing one of the hundreds of bridges in the city, I turned my head and saw this. It was at this moment, with the gondolas, brighter-than-normal-water, petite balconies, and mossy walls, that I realized I had arrived. This time, however, I was staring at Venice with my own two eyes.