One more day in Rome

Today was mostly a travel day. One last vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal to get to the train station and then a 4-hour train ride to Rome. That last vaporetto ride was tough though. I didn't anticipate being emotional about leaving. I didn't do anything in particular in Venice; I was simply happy there. Having everyone travel by boat instead of car/bus/truck/motorcycle is so much more civilized. And peaceful. I loved it. Then again, I doubt I would be very happy there with the summer crowds. I'm definitely an off-season girl. And it may have been easier if I was leaving for another new adventure. Although one more day in Rome will certainly be fun, it's not new and it will be followed by a day in the air, a day with a neurotic cat (who I miss terribly), and then...work. Two weeks and a couple days away has not made my heart grow fonder of my job. It's not a bad job, but for some reason it makes me feel trapped - that's never going to be a better feeling than the freedom of the road!  Oh well, it was nice to be back in St. Peter's Square tonight. It's so beautiful at night. I haven't decided what to do tomorrow. I need to buy a bag to reduce the weight of my backpack. I'll probably go with something touristy and cheap, but if there's a knockoff purse somewhere that seems big enough for the job....

Here are the views from my Venice hotel room window, some final shots on the canal, St. Peter's from the roof of my hotel, and Pope ice cream!!!!