Going to Venice was one of the best parts of my program. The three hour train ride was tough and the rain on the day of our visit definitely didn’t help, but nonetheless getting the chance to explore such a magnificent city was an awesome experience. Learning about the history of Venice as a trading and naval power as we zig zagged our way across bridges and canals made me feel connected to the history of city, especially as we saw the buildings and monuments commemorating the leaders who made Venice into what it is today. Despite seeing evidence of Venice’s storied past everywhere, we could also see how the modern Italian economy was intertwined with the city. Numerous luxury fashion stores lined the area near the famous St. Mark’s Basilica and businesses related to tourism could be found all over. Visiting this city was a unique experience that greatly enjoyed and I hope future students get to follow in my footsteps in the years to come.
