VENICE
Monday, September 22nd, Venice (Italy)
8 am: Left hotel for Venice. Lots of luggage. In the car, MJ returned Tom’s credit card that he didn’t know he had left on the hotel counter. Considering starting a new book for “things Tom forgot”. Jo caught up the journal. Lots of tunnels.
10 am: Stopped at a service station for water closet breaks. Once back in the car, Jo returned Tom’s hat that he didn’t know he had dropped in the parking lot. Thinking we might need two books. Tom decided his new goal was to go a day without losing anything. MJ said he should probably start with an hour. “Baby steps,” added Darrell.
During the trip, our driver, Simon, made arrangements for a water taxi to take us to our hotel. Ended up needing two - one for us and one for all the luggage. MJ went with the luggage.
Arrived in Venice and checked in to the Pensione Wildner. Immediately headed out for lunch at the Bellavista Ice and Snack Bar. MJ changed her order after Alan asked our waiter for his recommendation. He then asked her if that was her final answer. When she said “yes”, he responded “Are you sure? Do you want to call a friend?”, pulling out his cell phone and saying it was 001 for the U.S. While our waiter prided himself on his knowledge of our state capitals, Terri and Tom were able to stump him with Kansas. When we asked him if he wanted to call a friend, he said all his friends were ignorant. Joked around and relaxed with a cold beer. MJ had her defining moment.
Finished lunch and walked to St. Mark’s Square. Went to the top of the basilica. Great photo ops outside. MJ took a group picture stating, “What a great looking group. Alan step aside.” Waited for a close-up view of the 4 pm clock striking. Alan got proof that the lions did not move. All of us were impressed with the fabulous mosaics and variety of marble columns. Saw the original bronze horses. Alan offered to “take the risk” of breaking the no picture rule if us four women would climb aboard.
Wandered the streets, with MJ stopping to buy a giraffe for Candy. Found a café near the Rialto Bridge. Jo asked Darrell if he saw any empty seats. He said he saw a few on the far side but if we gave it a few minutes he was sure more would open up. Lo and behold, Darrell can predict the future. We no sooner sat down than people began leaving.
After some liquid refreshment, decided to do a little more shopping. All the sudden we heard what sounded like crystal breaking. A hush fell over the area and people everywhere sighed. At which point Alan was heard to utter, “Floor sale!”
Walked back to the hotel. Darrell, Alan, and Lisa napped while everyone else went back out looking for a glass-blowing demo. Found a cute bar instead.
Dinner - trouble. Had trouble finding recommended restaurant. Did find but changed mind and ended up at Trattoria Sara. Menu was pretty limited and service was incredibly slow. Had trouble getting all our food - missing Jo’s salad and Alan and Tom’s sardines. When sardines arrived, Alan and Tom had to learn how to fillet them. Terri spilled olive oil on her last pair of clean capris. Jo’s salad arrived just before the check. Lisa had to skip dessert because it was now so late everyone else just wanted to go. Told her we’d stop at the pastry shop next door, only to discover it was already closed.
Got to the gondola station around 10 pm. Only the “mute” gondolier was left. He could only take six of us so MJ stayed behind. Very dark. At times a little spooky. Rats were scurrying, the gondolier was texting. Did see a “church”. A very unique gondola experience.
MJ met us at the bridge and we headed back to the hotel for drinks and dessert. Tiramisu was a little different than I Matti’s, but just as good. Tartufo was excellent.
MJ, Lisa, Darrell, and Jo played a quick game of euchre then headed to bed. Midnight.
Tuesday, September 23rd, Venice (Italy)
Everyone slept in. Met up during breakfast at the hotel.
Took a quick walk through St. Mark’s. Jo bought Kelli‘s giraffe.
Took the 11:30 Secret Itineraries Tour of the Doge’s Palace. Very enjoyable. Makes you want to know more about Casanova.
Lunched back at Bellavista.
Total confusion about how to get to Murano. No two sets of directions the same. Some said trip would take 20 minutes while others said 2 hours. Confusion ended up being due to a change in the ferry schedule. Trip ended up being very simple and very quick. Jo got her new set of wine glasses.
Arrived back at San Zaccaro, the vaporetto stop, then headed to the hotel. Had checked out after breakfast so just needed to pick up our luggage. Time to begin the cruise portion of the vacation.
Enjoyed a smooth and easy water taxi trip to port and an unbelievably simple and fast boarding.
Met for a fantastic dinner in the Michelangelo Room, then all off on own to unpack and/or explore. Terri was smart and did her laundry.
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Grand Canal |
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Campanile |
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Rialto Bridge |
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Marco Polo Fornace in Murano |
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St. Marco's Basilica |
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Piazza de San Marco |
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St. Mark's Clocktower |
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Doges Palace |
Last Updated: 01/15/2010