Bici on the Beach

So I realize it has been a really long time since I've updated, here is a quick rundown:
Monday- Felt really sick, but still went to class.  Took a nap and almost slept through one of my classes.... then watched "Pane e Tulipani" (Bread and Tulips), an Italian Romantic comedy which was much better than "Gattopardo" in my opinion.
Tuesday- Felt better, had regular classes, but the wind was insane.  I felt like I was going to be blown over at any second.  Trekked to McDonald's anyways, which was totally worth it.  Also went to the grocery store for necessities like wine and brie cheese.
Wednesday- Had a presentation in one of my classes.  The weather was insane.... It snowed all day!!!  We decided not to brave it, and ate in the cafeteria instead.
Thursday- The weather was finally a bit nicer, still cold, but at least the snow melted somewhat.  Classes were normal and we went into the city to our new favorite restaurant for dinner and then hung out at our favorite Irish pub.

Which brings me to today, and our bike ride through Lido, an island off the coast of Venice.  It was up in the air for a while, but when we woke up this morning and saw the sun was shining and it was over 30 degrees out, we knew we'd be ok.

We met our professor at the dock in front of San Marco at 9am (Yes, I got up that early!) and waited for a small, but fast, private boat to pick us up.  (Private because there was a city wide strike today that put a minor hitch in our plans, and the plans of everyone who wanted to travel.)  When it finally came we saw that we were all to sit on small benches on the flat side of the stern.  It seemed very unstable from the dock, but once on it was actually quite comfortable.  The boat stopped to pick up a group of kids from Franklin College in Switzerland who joined us on the tour.  There were about 13 of them and 6 of us, which ended up being the perfect number. 

Once we landed on Lido, we walked literally 2 steps to a bike rental shop where are bikes were basically ready and waiting.  One of the Franklin girls, however, had never ridden a bicycle before!!!  While we waited for everyone to get their bikes we attempted to teach her.  She was actually a really fast learner, but still decided to stay on the boat that followed us instead of attempt to ride some of the more difficult paths we went down.

Our professor, Luca, led the way and every once in a while would pull over to show us an interesting building or give us a mini-history lesson.  It was a really fun way to see the area!  However, also scary because after 3 weeks in Venice, I definitely forgot how fast cars go.  I barely escaped certain death at least 5 times, to which I would always gasp "Oh my goodness!"  As if it hadn't just happened about 5 minutes before....

We stopped a few times while the 2 professors discussed lunch, and then we ended up on a really pretty beach.  It was still a little nippy, but the sun felt amazing and the same woman who drove us over in the boat, prepared a meal of Pasta Fagiole soup and bread and cheese and wine.  It was fabulous to have a warm picnic on a chilly beach with a bunch of new friends.

The ride back was longer and muddier because Luca wanted to show us the MOSE project, or the effort to save Venice.  We really couldn't see anything but cranes, but the way to get there was quite wet.  We then rode a different route back to the bike shop, which was fun because we got to see people picking their kids up from school, waiting for the bus, and walking their dogs.... basically just the normal life of Lido-ians.

We didn't get back to San Servolo until about 6pm, so it was quite a packed day.  However, it was totally worth it.  I am windburnt and tired, but very content.

Anyway, it is time for a quick siesta before dinner and whatever else the night entails.  A presto!

<3 Allie