Mestre & Venice, Italy

We are working on an isom unit out here in Venice, and staying just on the mainland in Mestre. I really haven’t taken too many pictures since I was here two years ago right before I started working. I hate to sound like a traveling snob, but since I am one, seeing the same place twice definitely is not as exciting no matter how jealous you are of me.

Mestre & Venice Pictures

At first it was just 3 of us out here, but now we have a crew of 8, since Scott and I both have a trainee. (Yeah, I’m training someone…figure that out). The project is going well, and since we just started putting feed in this week, I am in an idle mode. So I am enjoying not being as busy as the first 6 weeks, but also struggling to find things to do this week…hence my blog entries.

Overall, I have no complaints. I wish we had internet access at the refinery and that the dollar didn’t suck ass relative to the euro right now, but everything else is great. I really like the culture, the food, and most of the people I am here with. We have breakfast at the hotel, usually a light lunch at the café at the refinery (panino), and generally go out to eat a few times during the week for dinner.

Sitting at Garibaldi's with everyone

Mestre is a walking city with easy public transportation to Venice (although I also have my own car – sweet ‘08 manual Passat). Italy is certainly not lacking for piazzas, walking areas, outdoor restaurants and cafés, and gelatterias. Even when people get tired of Italian food (which I don’t), there are a few Chinese and Indian restaurants nearby, as well as one brew pub with really good chicken…and beer (I do get tired of red wine).

And of course, it's less than a 10 minute bus ride from Venice. And eventhough I have been to San Marco and Rialto bridge probably 5 times, the pictures are still nice.