I’m  excited for my trip! I just have a few more things to (launder…. and then) pack and I’m ready to get on a plane and be in Venice. I have a few things on my wish list (leather goods, turquoise jewelry, wine) but most of all I want to eat some great Italian food. I can’t wait to ride a gondola on the Grand Canal and have some real pizza. Yesterday I had a fantastic lunch at Pizzeria Mozza to get me into the italian mood. Their Bianca pizza is absolutely divine. They also have delicious gelato, my favorite flavors being espresso and Gianduja gelato. The latter is like nutella flavored gelato. So, so good!

In other news, I read this article in Conde Nast Traveler titled “How safe is your cruise ship?” And it totally freaked me out. Cruise companies register their vessels in other countries so that they don’t have to comply with certain rules and taxes. The cruise I’m about to embark on will be this ship’s maiden voyage. Ahem, Titanic! But then again the lifeboats are much improved now. That makes me feel better and to stop being so paranoid.

I’m looking forward to spending some time at the spa and the adults-only serenity area. Yay for no kids splashing me! Or crying near me…lol.

There are also a few restaurants (sushi bar, steak house, oh my!), clubs (maybe?) and bars (please make old-fashioneds!) I’m hoping to check out. The gym apparently has a direct gorgeous view of the ocean, so let’s see if I will make use of the workout clothes I stuffed into my suitcase. Au revoir and see you in June!