The floating city

Venezia, Italia.

The most beautiful and romantic place I have ever laid eyes on. I was honestly so stunned by this city, I never want to leave.

From the boat rides that took place of metro rides, to the vast ocean that catches the light of the street lamps at night, to the lighthouse calling sailors home, I have never been more charmed by a city than I have been by Venice.

There are 124 islands that make up Venice, all connected by bridges and traveled to by boat. These islands were once individual fields, where people grew their food, went to church, and enjoyed life atop the waters. Eventually, as more fields popped up, the islands began to connect to what is now Venice. The islands are man made, built by mud, tree logs, and brick. Over time, the rising and falling tide has caused the islands to shift and the ground and buildings are all tilted or beginning to lean over. Venetians are used to one meter high flooding and continue their days like normal. Look at the leaning bell tower behind me in this photo!

The most impressive fact I learned today (on another free waking tour-- yay free tours!), was about the Santa Maria Della Salute, the domed building in the photo below.

This is the only major building made of stone, so it is much heavier than the buildings made of brick. In order to hold up the church, this island is built by tree logs that are all right next to the other, no space left between like the regular islands. There are over 1.2 million tree logs under this stone church!!! Another fun fact, before the construction of this church in the seventeenth century, Venice was a very liberal city, with pleasure houses and other various immoralities. Venice was also struck with plagues that were said to be God's punishment for the unlawful Venetians, so they're decided to build this church to please God and have their sins forgiven. And soon as construction of the church began, the final plague ended and there have been none since. So Santa Maria Della Salute is now referred to as, "the church of health."

There are so many other unique stories that tell the grand narrative of Venice and its people. The history is so rich, and there is so much to take in. Venice is my new favorite vacationing destination and I hope to be back soon.

Tomorrow is our last day and we want to make it count! This photo is from the sunrise this morning, we woke up at 5am to walk down the street to see this view, it was unreal.

Visit UCLA IEO has incredible study abroad opportunities!