The first whirlwind week of Florence is something I will never forget — from the museum tours to walking around the city with friends, all culminating in the weekend trip to Venice. I knew Venice was a trip I was going to take at some point during my time in Italy, so I was thrilled when we got to take it on “company time.”

After a gorgeous bus ride and quick boat ride, we were transported to one of the most unique and beautiful cities I had ever been in. On our quick walking tour, we got a handle of where our hotel was and how to somewhat navigate the city.

For all of her beauty, Venice is also a tragic city. Because it was built on millions upon millions of wooden poles, Venezia is literally sinking into the sea. It won’t happen overnight, but there will come a day when it falls into the ocean unless something is done to preserve it. And while that is sad enough, apparently residents are leaving in droves because of the lack of jobs in the city. I could not believe it. How could a city with so much culture and beauty be almost dying off? I knew I was going to try and experience everything I could while I was here.

After the tour was over, our guide showed us the best spots to eat, and my friends and I sat down to the some of the best seafood pasta and lasagna I had ever had.

Tip #8: When in Venice, get the seafood. Even if you don’t like seafood, get the seafood.

Once I had joined the clean plate club and finished the wine, we wandered around the city, thinking we knew the way home.

We didn’t, at least at first. (See Tip #4).

Even though we were a bit lost, I didn’t really care just because I got a little more time to marvel at the beautiful buildings and the canals that sparkled in the moonlight.

After much debate and multiple wrong turns we finally made it back to the hotel and then promptly went out right away in search for a bar. While aimlessly walking around, we found what seemed like a nice Italian man and we asked him for directions. He politely told us to go f*** ourselves. We eventually found a bar, drank and had a relaxing night, which was a nice change of pace.

The next morning was a brisk and somewhat cloudy one, where we set off to explore the streets of the ancient city. The day started off with a quick gondola ride and a walk to Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square). There is a lot to take in, from the beautiful columns linings the square, to the ancient and beautiful work of art, known as Basilica di San Marco. Even though it was cloudy, the church seemed to glow as we got closer and closer. I had never seen anything like it. We walked through the flooded square into the church, where I was blown away at what I saw. Inside, the walls and ceiling are covered in colorful, yet faded, mosaics that depict scenes and people from the Bible. Even the marble floors had me staring. Once again I had the feeling one visit to a place like this would not be enough. I knew I was coming back.

Next up was the Doge’s Palace (where I learned that a Doge is more than just an internet meme) where we learned the history and cultural background of Venice. We continued on to old and beautiful churches and museums that captured the ancient feeling of the city. Overall, it was and still is one of my favorite trips I have taken so far. It’s a place that everyone needs to see while they still can.

After the touring was over and night rolled around, I had a set plan of what I wanted to do. I wanted to get a nice seafood dinner with some calamari, get a cigar, and smoke it while walking by the sea while seeing Venice by night. Unfortunately, my friends wanted to spend the night a little differently. The group agreed they wanted to get food but wanted to spend the night searching for the nightlife around the city. I went along with it even though that was not how I wanted to spend my night. You will find, especially if you travel without any of your friends, that you are more inclined to go with the group instead of doing things on your own. It’s natural.

Tip #9: Just because the group wants to go out and booze, does not mean you have to as well.

We got some crappy pizza and then went to the same bar we were at the night before. I was not thrilled. I sat there for about 30 minutes while everyone played slots and thought to myself; “Screw this. I am not spending my last night in Venice this way.”

I grabbed my buddy Mike, who was sharing my same thoughts, and we went and walked the almost abandoned streets of Venezia together, discussing the trip, life and taking in the nooks and crannies that we did not get to see on a guided tour. We were cigarless, but it was amazing none the less. Seeing the city lit up is still one of my favorite memories of an already amazing trip.

The next morning, my friends and I got up early and went back to St. Mark’s Basilica for Mass. Even though there were so few people in attendance and the mass was said in all Italian, it was a serine experience in which I got to see those gorgeous mosaics one last time.

After mass, we ran through the flooded streets with our shoes off (so damn cold), packed our bags and were back on the bus headed back to Florence for more adventures.

Alex Stadnik is a staff writer for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected].