From Vienna

Hello all!

This comes from Vienna because the internet in Venice was way too expensive. The train ride from Rome to Venice was uneventful. I do think our body odor was offensive enough to make the couple we sat next to change seats. I wish I could say that was the first time that has happened to me...such is life I suppose. Our train was delayed about an hour and a half, so we got in about 1 in the morning. We actually found a hostel for 25 euro a night on Venice in Santa Margharita square. It had beds and that was about it. What more could we ask for, right? Very nice man ran it who seemed like he had a lot on his plate. We only had two days and we spent them walking everywhere. The first day was to St. Marks square and a few churchs on the way. We got lost everytime we tried to go anywhere. After St. Marks square and basilica we made our way back and crashed in our hostel. Day two was pretty similar but instead we went in the direction of the old Jewish Ghetto. We got really lost trying to find that and circled around it a few times. The ghetto was interesting and full of the Chabad style Jews who prayed the whole time we were there. We wanted to go inside the synagogue and the museum but it was Saturday and of course closed. You think Kent and I would have seen that coming. On the way back from the Ghetto we made a stop in another church which I cannot remember the name of. I think it was the friars church? The long and short of it was it was really nice. Again we got lost trying to find it and lost again trying to get back to the hostel. We contemplated taking a ferry to Murano to see glass blowing but we did not have enough time. Once we made it back we had to grab our bags and head for the train station.

First overnight train of the trip and it was fine thanks to tylenol pm. We had to share a six person little cabin type deal with some kids on a school trip. Originaly it was three 14 year old girls sitting with us who then became three 14 year old boys. I am pretty intimidating so it was understandable as to why they switched. They were actually good company and I didn't mind having them there. Can't say that I slept all that well and I am exhausted now. We got here in Vienna at about 8:30 this morning. Vienna is amazing. Our hostel is crazy cheap at 15 euro a night. We also have a private room, free breakfast and this stupid computer with a messed up key board. And to top it all off, an amazing view of Vienna. Interestingly enough it is an HI hostel so I may have to widthdraw my previous statement. Check out the pictures on the website by searching "Palace Hostel Vienna."I also plan to take a million pictures while here so no worries.

Don't worry Jef we drink espresso every morning. And Mom I need to refill the minutes on the phone because it is out from the time we kind of lost Maggie in Rome. I'll get you back later on that. For some reason this computer won't let me send any emails. Happy fathers day to the dads reading this, mainly my own.