V Day 1 (part1): Treviso!

Alright! So trip three out of the A'dam consists of going to the boot-shaped country we all know is Italy. I didn't know what I was expecting, maybe some good pizza and some nice architecture here and there - but in the end it was so much more. This country, the people, the food, the language just rocks! And what happens when you group a Columbian, a Romanian and a Chinese Canadian together? Well you'll see! Read on!
Our adventures start at 4am for me waking up and ready to leave at 4:30am to walk to the train station and go to the airport. I knock on Ana-Maria's door and she just woke up and tells me we weren't meeting until 530. Ok, no problem, I guess a cab would only be about 3 Euros each. Times passes, 530, Ana calls for a cab, the guy says it will take 30 minutes; Ana is getting anxious and wants to be on her way. 15 minutes later Camilo STARTS to worry; we leave the boat and walk to the street. Well in a total 1.75 hours after I was ready to go, the cab comes, we're shittin our pants as check in closes at 6:40 so we tell teh driver to book it- we make it by two minutes before close after a 40 Eur cab ride. This Canadian had the shoulda, coulda, woulda thoughts running in his head - but the yoga keeps him cool. At least we made it and we're on our way (albeit running to the gate with sweaty cheeks).



We land in Treviso, the absolute SMALLEST airport I have ever landed in. basically the airport (the older part) can accommodate one flight at a time. (You were right Danielle!)

Immediately through the gate we are warmly greeted by Domenico Rositano! He is from AIESEC Venice, and our tour guide for the day before getting us into Venice. This is above and beyond any aiesecer that I know so far (well maybe except my buddy Ellen) that not only greeted us, but was willing to take us to all the sites and then drive us to Venice which was about 30-40 minutes away; all this plus an exam he was to write that night!

We pack into his Smart For Four and then head to town.

We park and by browse the city streets foot. Immediately you get that European sense with the clean, but intimate streets and the subtle peace and beauty of the architecture. Along our unmapped journey are the sites of the town including Domenico's University, the local fish market, main piazzas of the city and some other miscellaneous sites.

At a local produce store with fresh cheeses, wine and Camilo's artichokes that are well known in the area.

The Late Romanesque-Early Gothic church of San Francesco

Behind the statue on in the pic on the right is a United Colours of Benetton Store. Now who knew that the headquarters of this Italian retailer was in this small little city? Not me!

At first I didn't trust the water, but then Domenico assured it was clean, so after numerous pics with us in various poses practically molesting and then drinking from the... ahem... fountain, we refilled our bottles and continued on. Bellisimo - I love Italia!

Around one fo the streets, Domenico stopped us and pointed out a toiletry machine embedded in one of the walls of the building. From thereon, Domenico entertained us on giving us the ins and outs of one of the particular items.

Ana Maria stopped in one of the local book shops and picked up some Italian books. Apparently Italian and Romanian languages are quite similar and she took the opportunity to pick up some reading material to further her knowledge!

Let me just say in the span of about four hours we sat down and had good ol' Italian breakfast (coffee/pastries), afternoon drinks (Spritz), and Lunch (beer and pizza!) - I love the Italian way of eating - frequent and at a slow pace!

After showing us the sites, we head into Mestre , meet up with Alessandro, another aiesecer knowledgeable of our accommodation details as Domenico sets off to write his test! Mestre is the mainland next to the islands of Venice. Our hotel/hostel is a five minute walk from the main train station. We check in and settle for a bit, and then decide to head to Venice for a little browsin'!