African Penis

My day started off with a dead bird at my door step.  I wasn't sure the significance of this but Kell and I set out on our way.  Souvenir day!  It's a tedious process but fun.  We ate lunch at a restaurant tucked under the Realto bridge.  It was a bit pricy but the food was delicious.  Everyone has to go to time square and visit Carmine's, so we gave way and did the touristy thing.  I even enjoy it tremendously.  The view was great.  The grand canal is a chaotic place.  Gondoliers pace back and forth while trying to snap pictures, give a tour, and navigate away from the robust vaporettos.  The wait staff at this restaurant were annoying.  It was a similar experience that one would have in a restaurant at the states.  They suggested things on the menu, were attentive, pressured you to buy drinks, desserts, and coffee.  He even checked in on us halfway through the meal to see how everything was doing.  I've fell in love with the Italian waiter's lackadaisical service.  I have a mouth and if I need something, I'll just ask.  It was strange for me at first to not have someone up my butt, but it's a great change.  I ordered a salmon dish prepared with pink pepper.  The sauce was creamy but light.  The salmon was super tender and just the right size potion.  Kelly ordered fried calamari.  It was great as well.  It was lightly battered and served with an assortment of fries and fried veggies.

Oh, one more thing about lunch.  We sat next to a loud American couple.  SHUSH.  You're loud.  Sip your pinot and enjoy this.  That's all I'm trying to do.  There also was a kid that sat down at the restaurant wearing a Bergen County tee.  I was tempted to talk to him but he was gone by the time we finished.  Small small world, let's just try to turn down the volume dial.

After we sat and reveled at the view, we poked around the bridge for souvenirs.  We both picked up some small items but we splurged on matching gold Italian horn pendants for ourselves.  Everyone needs some good luck in their life, why not wear it around you neck in gold form?

I'm sitting in the living room and have all the balcony doors open.  A seagull nearly flew in.  It gave me a heart attack.

Next stop was the train station to purchase our tickets out of town.  We decided that we're going to spend 4 nights in Amalfi with day trips to Capri and Pompei.  It's going to be a nice change to get out of the city and just hang.  We bought an overnight ticket for Wednesday night with beds.  Finally time to sleep!  From there, we'll be spending our last few days in Rome before we head on back.

I'm not drinking nearly enough here.  We purchased a gigantic bottle of water to share and both slurped it down.  I can't get enough.  While on our lazy way back to the apartment, I witnessed one of the African junk vendors peeing in the lagoon.  He was DARK.  It was really appalling to see such a sight.

A medley of operas with chamber music is on the agenda for the evening.  I'm excited to go!  I'm even busting out my Michael Kors heels that I brought.  I'm sure they'll do just find contending with all the Italian leather goods.  I've got to rep America somehow!  I really need to look into going to a real opera/ballet in New York.  I fell uncultured never having that experience.  I have no clue what I'd wear...hmmm...but the shoe and bag departments are covered.  :)