When I first arrived in Venice, I was worried about getting to my hotel and was looking for the correct vaporetto---and then I looked up and saw the water and the boats and took a deep breath. Inside I was jumping up and down because I was so excited to be here...on the outside I just smiled and took a minute to enjoy the surroundings and the atmosphere.
I checked into the hostel and decided to go get something to eat down the street. While I was waiting I thought it would be nice to sit on steps leading down into the water. I stepped on the first step so I could see it the top was wet before I sat down...before I knew it, my foot slipped and I landed on my hip and then was back on my feet on the sidewalk...super embarassing and a few old men saw and asked if I was ok. I said yes even though I was limping and the side of my shorts were a lovely shade of seaweed green.
I got my pizza and ate the whole thing!!! It was really thin and only had cheese and sauce. I sat a ways away from the water and watched the boats go by and the city lights shining. 
I got up the next day and had breakfast at the hostel--coffee and a roll with butter...I need more sustinance. I got a boat pass and headed for the city center to begin getting lost. I did not use a map, I just started by taking a vaporetto around most of the exterior of Venice and then weaving through the streets. I went in shops and ate gelato. I made my way to St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. I had lunch in a wine bar/cafeteria style--I really am starting to like pesto with Gnocchi. I bought another memory disk because I was taking so many pictures I knew I would run out before I flew home. 
I decided to go to a theatre performance called "Carnival" that night. It was in English so the people I met there spoke English!! Dinner was included and it was a standing buffet in three rooms. It was an interesting concept. The food and wine were excellent!!
There were four main actors that told about the history of Venice and about Carnival--somewhat like Mardi Gras. They had a storyline about their job and personal dealings as well as impromptu portions.
They also had projectors that showed scenes on the water or scenes that appeared to be from hundreds of years ago.
The show was different than I imagined, but was funny and educational! I walked back to the vaporetto stop and to the hostel for the evening.I spent my last day in Venice being more like a local than a tourist. I took a vaporetto to the train station and got my ticket to go to Rome that night. It was pouring down rain so I was glad I had my umbrella and rain jacket!! I then went off the tourist track and walked along the water, watched the locals conducting business and found a coffee shop. I got a coffee and a panini and soaked up the local atmosphere for some time. I walked around a bit more and then headed back to the hostel to check emails and do my laundry. I had a surprisingly good plate of lasagne at the hostel and then headed for the train station. One last night view of Venice...until the next time.
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