Ravenna

     I have been looking forward to seeing the Ravenna mosaics (especially San Vitale) in person for a long time, and the day had finally arrived! We packed up our luggage, had one final delicious breakfast in Florence, and began the 2 and a half hour ride to Ravenna. Once there we looked in 4 spaces at the mosaics: San Vitale, the mausoleum of Galla Placidia, the baptistery, and San Appolinare Nuovo. These mosaics are early Christian, from the 5th and 6th centuries, and they are absolutely stunning in person. All I could do was stare (sometimes with Alex's glasses cause I didn't have my contacts) in awe from every angle. Very likely my favorite thing so far! 

      After finishing in Ravenna we drove 2 more hours to Venice, where we put our luggage on a boat and took the people mover (like at Disney world!) over to the actual City. After a 20 minute walk at Stevens' pace we were at our hotel, which actually used to be a monastery and is still run by the order! Our room is sparse but very nice--except no bath tub, boo--and the beds are amazingly comfortable! We had group dinner at the place with what looked like amazing seafood but for some reason we were served pork...

      So exciting to be in Venice, the most magical city in the world!