Bowdy’s study abroad trip

Saturday we had tours of Venice for the majority of the day. We walked around the city, toured Saint Marks Basilica, and The Doge’s Palace.

The Doge’s Palace is known for its Venetian Gothic architecture. It was originally built in the 9th-century as a fortified structure, though almost none of that early building remains today. It was gradually expanded & rebuilt, especially in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the current Gothic structure began to take shape. It was the residence of the Doge (the chief magistrate and leader) of Venice, but also housed the main political, judicial, and administrative offices of the Venetian Republic. One of my favorite parts was walking over the “Bridge of Sighs”. The famous Bridge of Sighs links the palace to the prison. Legend says prisoners would sigh as they crossed it, glimpsing Venice (or the lagoon) through its windows for the last time before confinement. Unfortunately I did not take any pictures of the bridge or the prison.

After the tour we were free for the rest of our day. Me and some of the guys got a gondola ride throughout the city.

We got dinner after and went out for some drinks with some of our UTSA friends for the rest of the night.

Today is Sunday and we are heading back to Urbino. It’s about a 3 hour train ride to Pesaro then an hour bus ride to Urbino. We went to a breakfast place this morning that actually had American breakfast. It was the first time I’ve had eggs and bacon since I left Alabama.

There is a Five Guys in the train station, so of course we stopped and ate before getting on our train. This is also the first burger I’ve had since I left Alabama. I’ve been spoiled with American food today.

Not much else going on today. Planning on working on some thesis later when I get home and resting up for the week. Our project plan is due Friday and we are heading to Rome on Thursday, so these next 3 days will be very heavy thesis days. Looks like I’ll be doing thesis all day on my birthday tomorrow!