Venice, Italy 8/1/09- 8/5/09

I arrived in Venice at 10:00p.m. this flight cost me $390. I stayed in Venice for four nights. The hotel I stayed at was called Gritti Palace. This was where Ernest Hemingway stayed after his second plane crash in Africa. To stay here four nights it will cost 325 euros. While in Venice I ate at assorted bistros and restaurants for approximately 10 euros per meal.
8/2/09
My first activity in Venice was to visit Harry's Bar. This was Hemingway's favorite place to go and drink in Venice and it was only five minutes walk from the hotel. I ordered a drink and sat and talked with the owner of the bar and explained to him why I was here. He began to explain to me all of the stories that he had heard about Ernest Hemingway while he had been the owner of the bar. He told me that Hemingway spent his "greyer years" in Venice but still drank as if he was in his prime. We spoke some more about the beauties of Venice. He then recommended that I go see the Grand Canal and I told him I would do my best but I was on a tight schedule. As I was paying my tab and preparing to leave the bar he told me that I could keep the glass just as long as I didn't mention it to the regulars. I thanked him and headed back to the hotel.
8/3/09
My next activity was to visit the Luxury Suite in the Gritti Palace. This was where Hemingway wanted to stay after his second plane crash in Africa. he Invited many friends to see him and enjoyed the atmosphere as he healed. The gentleman who was currently occupying the room was kind enough to let me view the room free of charge. The best part of the room was the view. It portrayed the Venice canals beautifully no matter what the time of day it was. I offered the man a gondola ride on the Grand Canal the next evening and he accepted.
8/4/09
I arrived at the Grand Canal at 7 o' clock like we had planned the previous day. We split the gondola fare between us and it came out to be about 10 euros a piece. It was very pleasant sight that Ernest Hemingway enjoyed and so did I. The lights reflecting off of the water proved to be quite a sight. I was dropped off at my hotel and once again I packed my belongings and prepared for my next flight.