Bridges and Canals

This past weekend I set out on an adventure to one of the most beautiful places I have ever been... Venice! This magical city full of quaint bridges and flowing canals looks just like it does in the movies.  For the most part it is peaceful and astonishingly quiet due to the lack of cars.  While walking through a busy street I was reminded of walking up to a high school.  There were many people, some hurrying to class or an activity and some just standing around enjoying the company of others passing the time before the obligation of learning became necessary to fulfill.

Traveling to this remarkable city was a story in itself.  I booked my train ticket all by my self (like a big girl, mommy aren't you proud?).  When Mike got home he was helping me to print the ticket and was looking it over to give me instructions for the next day.  He noticed that they had only given me four min. between my connections.  Of course I did not notice this when I booked the ticket.  I assumed that they would provide an itinerary which would be acceptable.  As I would never make the connection Mike said that he would drive me to the second station and I would simply take the train from there.  The next morning I got to the station and found my way to the platform.  When the train arrived it was very crowded but I managed to push my way on before the doors closed.  

As the train pulled away from the station I became aware that this was going to be a very long three hour journey.  I never made it into the car of the train but instead was crammed into the space between two cars with about 25-30 other people.  For most of the trip my body was at a 15 degree angle from my legs.  I supported my self with my arms on a rail and tried very hard not to fall on top of the people around me.  Most of the way I was supporting not only my body weight but also those around me as we turned and swayed along.  At any given time I was touching at least three others. 

When we arrived in Venice I was sore and tired and felt very dirty, but these thoughts were taken away but the beauty of a city I had only seen in pictures and movies.  Walking around, being able to stretch and relax turned my mood around and I soon forget the over crowded train ride.

Venice was in the middle of its very famous carnival celebration this weekend which meant costumes, masks, and lots of extra people.  It was fun to see the bright colored costumes and street performers.  The very famous St. Mark's Square was what I imagine New York's Times Square to be like on New Year's Eve, very crowded and chaotic.  Those dressed in full authentic costume were instant tourist attractions, with people wanted to take pictures with them.  I of course also got my picture taken with several to mark the occasion.  

Although I am glad that I got to experience the carnival in all its glory, I am also grateful that I have the opportunity to go back, when it is hopefully not as busy, to see more of the sights and attractions. The train ride home was peaceful and quiet.  I was glad that I purchased a more expensive ticket which included an assigned seat.  It was well worth the money!  Overall I think I lost about 5 lbs. from walking that day.  I got some great photos, and I highly recommend making Venice apart of any trip to Italy.

Love from Liberty,

Peggy

Banana Bread

Today we made banana bread, by we I mean Alessandro and me.  Making food here is interesting for two reasons.  First, Cristina has to help me buy the ingredients because all the names are in Italian.  On top of this, packaging is much different.  For one thing they don't really sell things in bulk here so items that I am used to coming in large packages are small here and you just have to buy multiple.  And some things like cheddar cheese, and sour cream don't exist so I am having to improvise.  The second reason that making food here is interesting is the metric system.  Measuring in cups, teaspoons, and tablespoons is replaces by grams and oz.  This can be very frustrating and although I could translate every measurement I have given this up for estimating.  I have made enough cookies and cakes to know about how much a cup or half a cup is.  I use and actual tea spoon or tablespoon for measuring smaller ingredients.

So we made the banana bread estimating and improvising ingredients and you know what?  It turned out just fine.  It is a little spongy but other than that it is good.  I even put some nuetella on one of the muffins and that only increased it's deliciousness.  And the best part was that I think Ale really enjoyed making it.  He helped me pour and mix things together.  He even helped me wash the dishes! (I think he thought it was a game since I let him play with the water in a bowl afterwards.)  And we had a really good time, without the t.v., or the ipad, or iphone!  And that was my favorite part!

If you have any other creative ideas that I can do with a 4 year old boy I would love some suggestions!  As the weather has not been very nice lately I would welcome advice from those pros with young ones!

Love from Liberty,
Peggy

Inspiration Station

Many of you often ask me where I get my craft ideas from.  Well tonight I have conveniently posted the links to three of my favorite blogs in my blog list on the right.  Jones Design Company has some great and easy to follow tutorials.  I love How About Orange because they offer a lot of free printable and downloadable files.  And finally, if you are in the mood for some home decor changes Design Sponge has a great before and after section to inspire you.  They also have some great ideas in the DIY section.  So if you are looking for some inspiration to get your creative juices flowing check these out.  Enjoy!

Love from Liberty,
Peggy

Snail Mail

Today I went to the post office to mail some postcards.  The cost of mailing three said postcards was bout $6.00.  Therefore, there will be no more snail mail for the duration of this trip.  If you are one of the lucky three who gets a postcard, consider yourself blessed.  I will continue to write postcards and then simply mail them or hand them out when I get home.  I know this sounds cheap but I feel my resources are better used on other things than mailing a simple postcard for two dollars a piece.

Love from Liberty,
Peggy