Venice

The entrance to Venice was less than welcoming. Besides getting yelled at for being too loud at 10 pm,  almost getting kicked out of our hotel because they only accept cash, carrying our luggage across the whole town, having the church closed, and not being able to get an ATM to work so you could have cash, the trip was a major success. It was absolutely stunning. The canals down every pathway make it unlike anywhere else in the world. Here is what we learned:

Next time bring a rolling suitcase- it will save you from back and shoulder pain

Use a map or in Mandas case Mel- it's almost impossible to not get lost (for 6 hours)

The gondola ride was worth it- sublime

Although more challenging, it is possible to do the shoulder pic while wearing a skirt

Go ahead and get more pizza, pasta, and gelato. It's worth it

When walking home at night, the mask in the window is not a serial killer out to get you. Remain calm. Also, the man opening his front door is not automatically going to murder you. But it is okay to sacrifice the girl next to you

Waking up with random bug bites on your face makes life more interesting

All Europeans eat for breakfast is bread. Every morning

Renaming Stafford Stanley was the best nickname we've ever come up with (stafford- Stanford- Stan- middle name=lee- Stanley). Plus we don't have to be Stan's backup friends

Europe doesn't believe in Internet

The grocery store is way harder (in every way) than in America.

Everywhere you go you feel like you are in The Italian Job

If you see a random American dancing on a bridge it's probably just Killer Karli

Washing your clothes in the shower is not worth it - they will never dry

When the lights are flickering a girl probably is just accidentally hitting the light switch

You know your hotel room is haunted when you are in your room by yourself with a bag of M&Ms in your hand and the next thing you know they are gone, never to be seen again

We love these girls!