I am going to Venice!! Well, not really, what I am doing is following along with Mary Ann Moss when she is in Venice. Mary Ann is offering an online class called A Ticket to Venice and I thought this would be the perfect way to re-live my experiences in Venice and also to learn a new book binding technique. I've been to Venice twice. The first time was with my daughter Karly's school group in 2001 - we spent one day touring Venice and I totally enjoyed my time there although it was a bit rushed as school tours usually are. After my trip I found inspiration in my photos and painted several watercolour paintings. My second trip to Venice was with my sister Carol in 2007. That was our Italy "Dream Trip" - our first trip to Italy together had been with my daughter Ellen's school group a few years earlier and it had been difficult to explore or experience on our own so we decided that one day we would go back and do things the way we wanted - our Dream Trip. Since Venice was not included in Carol's first trip to Italy we decided to spend several days there exploring. What a wonderful time we had!! We stayed at a lovely B&B hotel right on the Grande Canal and this was the view from our room. Although it can be noisy (who knew garbage collection boats would be an issue?!!) I would highly recommend a room with a view!! During my first visit to Venice I missed out on touring the Basilica - I actually regretted it for years and had dreams - during my SLEEP - of Venice sinking right before my eyes before I had a chance to see inside it. I cried when we arrived in San Marco Piazza and I saw the Basilica - and it wasn't sinking!! Such a treat to be inside - we paid the extra few Euros and went up the narrow staircase to the viewing area. It puts you up close to the mosaics - incredible!!! Of course we took the obligatory gondola ride - totally pricey and totally worth it!! I am so excited to see what adventures Mary Ann has during her trip there in a few weeks. Thanks Mary Ann for the opportunity to live vicariously through you!!