Camels, Kiwis, and Bears: Venice

One of the best parts about travelling Europe was not having a cell phone. Phones are beginning to resemble electronic leashes in recent years, and it's only when you retire yours completely that you can experience a sense of freedom that has long been forgotten.

They dull you of your sense to plan and coordinate, and cease the mild rush of adrenaline acquired from not knowing anything with 100% certainty. A prime example of this was attempting to reunite with Catherine in Venice. This entailed spending 5 Euro to log onto Facebook at an internet café, sending Catherine a message to meet us in the lobby of a random hotel in 3 days time, and praying that she logs on to check her messages before that day.

We rolled up to the hotel later than expected due to minor train delays and my heart was in my throat as we approached the hotel entrance. Quickly I scanned the lobby in vain, for it was empty. No sign of her anywhere.

Is she okay? Did she just not get the message? Is she waiting for us in a different hotel here?

A million questions were racing through my mind but Chanelle interrupted them with a level-headed assumption; "Maybe she's already in the room."

We quickly approached reception with our query and sure enough she had checked in 30 minutes ago. A wide-eyed Catherine opened the door to our room. We were so excited to all be together again, and to take on the city of Venice.