Allow me to walk you through the most beautiful weekend spent in Italy. 

I probably call it the most beautiful, because there's been the most sunshine. 

Friday we finally experienced Michelangelo's David.  So tall, and so perfect.  The veins in his hands even. I can't believe he was created out of one piece of marble. 

Yesterday Shelley, Natalie and I ventured 3 hours north east.  The train there was sold out of assigned seats so we sat ourselves in the dining car the whole way, reading, listening to music, and eating of course- -things we do fairly well. The ride flew by. The last couple hundred yards of track were surrounded with water, welcome to Venezia. 

Super quiet city.  No cars or vespas means no background noise.  Instead Venice's theme music includes Italian rowers serenading their gondola customers and the scattered men throughout the piazzas playing their violins, trying to make an extra buck. 

We dedicated a few of the hours in Venice to a statue and its steps, which so conveniently fell directly below the beautiful UV rays.  And I can't forget the 2 euro cappuccino that allowed us to use a hotel's cabanas.  It was the dream.  And the freckles are coming back. 

Danced our way through the Bologna train station since we had a couple minutes to spare.  

Today was perfect.

Crossed over the river to an outdoor flea market/antique sale/'one man's junk is another's treasure'.  2 hours of wandering and digging for some of the best stuff I've ever bought. In the shopping bag of success: a vest, old school postcards, newspaper from '39 about the Nazi invasion, Beatles VI record, a tiny gold ring, and a pendant. I love bargaining. and finding rad things. and the sun, but I think I've mentioned that a couple times already. Second day in a row when showing skin didn't hurt, literally, and never loved 60 degrees so much. 

On our way back home from the market Shell & I took a little pit stop and did something we've wanted to do for a couple weeks now.  This time we just actually had a 3rd person to capture the moment. Mom, you would have screamed, or killed me, or both. and you still might later, but it was necessary.  See: last picture.  The photo doesn't quite do justice; just another day fully appreciating our city. Love the Arno river. 

It's been such a lazy, easy weekend.. with Heath Ledger movies. 

Two weeks until spring break, which means Ireland, UK, Amsterdam, and Paris are coming soon! Shelley & I get to see Siobhan and Erika this coming weekend in Vienna and Prague. So pumped to see familiar faces from home! 

Two months and ten days more of Europe. I don't know if I should say 'only' of 'still' 70 days left. I'm realizing how bittersweet so many things in life are. 

I'll leave you with 1 Peter 1:3-9 until next time,

love.