It's Really is La Serenissima

Post date: Nov 10, 2012 11:15:30 PM

This has been a pretty crazy week. We finally started collecting data on all of the stores on Wednesday and have been going like crazy. We have really long hours of data collection, from 9:00 to 12:30 and from 3:30 to 6:30, and we’re also walking the entire time. I think that we’ll be able to say truthfully by the end of this project that we have been on every street in Venice. For the data collection, we ditched our original plans (using InputApp and then a spreadsheet on a tablet) and are going with paper. Collecting the data isn’t as easy as we thought it would be, but we are going ahead smoothly. At this point we’re having doubts about whether we can actually cover every district in Venice since we lost two weeks in the beginning of the term.

Venice itself is amazing. There’s really nothing else like it. The longer we stay here, the more I am in love with the city. Of course, the amazing gelato plays a role in this feeling, but there is something very special about the city. I can’t really put my finger on it, but the combination of the water and the history (and the lack of cars) has an amazing effect on me. When we first arrived, I was excited, but a little disappointed with Venice. All disappointment faded, however, the moment we went onto the water in a gondola. Getting on the water the first time and every time since (Thanks for the rowing lesson, Fabio!) has made me feel a deep connection with the city. The city was built on the water and you can’t get the full experience of it without getting onto the water. Venice is my favorite city now and seven weeks here is way too short!

Venice on the water