We came out of the train station to a throng of people everywhere & the canals. First impression, a very exciting city full of energy! It is a city build on water no cars, bikes or motor cycles.
We followed a small map up & around corners to our accommodation - Dimora Marconi, a very comfortable B&B with 8 rooms all decorated in different colours with gilt edged mirrors, bed & wardrobe, ours in yellow/gold.
Walked around to get our bearings & took lots of snap shots as you can imagine.
Cafe Florian is the most famous bar in the world! That is where we happened to unknowingly sit in the St Mark's square, for our expensive beers at €13.80 ea! ($20)!!! Apparently in the high season a coffee is €30 ($48) a cup! so I was told at breakfast the next day. Off course the money also goes to the musicians playing close by.
Venice is full of very narrow alley ways like a maze, every turn taking you to another narrow street or restaurant, classy shop or square. I felt I would get lost here without the map in my pocket but it turned out being easy to get around, as the direction of St Mark's Square, The Rialto Bridge & Academia were sign posted at all corners. Michael also keep me on a lead!!! There are numerous small bridges over canals that worm their way around the city with many gondolas swiftly manoeuvred throughout these canals. No, we decided against a ride. It is so great with no cars or bikes seen anywhere.
Took a ferry over to Giudecca Island to Hotel Cipriani for a look & a beer following Cherry,Crow& Helen & Nick's recommendation. Thanks guys, it was a good visit with beautiful gardens. We didn't see anyone famous but no doubt some people recognised us - tariff being $900+/ night!
Felt like we had walked miles so back to our B&B for a G&T & beer & freshen up before dinner. Our B&B is quaint with the walls & ceiling padded with fabric. The staff were wonderful creating a very homely environment with the owner cooking the delicious croissants & bread rolls for our daily continental breky.
The shop windows were displayed very elegantly with some stunning clothes that didn't match our price range! Michael however, found a couple of shirts & shorts. I bought a white venetian tablecloth. Most windows had "salali" written, meaning sale. Every alleyway had windows of these shops, venetian masks, mannequins & souvenirs. The Venetian glass shops were also amazing with stunning colours. No didn't buy any. Chose not to take a trip to Marano as time didn't permit. Next time we come here we will stay longer.
The architecture is amazing & very old. The Palace Duccale was breathtaking with the most amazing canvas paintings, statutes & armoury (have I used enough superlatives?!). Of course no photos were allowed so will have to rely on the Internet.
Everything is "amazing" so far!
I decided to get up early (0630) on our last day in Venice & left Michael sleeping! (Yes discussed the previous night). I didn't realise what a treat I had waiting! It was so peaceful & charming. Other than a couple more tourists like me with their cameras, i felt like i had the city all to myself with the doves & pigeons scavenging the last scraps before they were swept away by the cleaners. Even the canals were calm & peaceful with the gondola's still packed away, some with their masters giving them a last spit & polish before the day begins.
After 3 nights in this beautiful, romantic city it was time to leave Italy. We both loved Bellagio & Venice and they are definitely on the list to visit again sometime.
The airport was a 70 minute water ferry ride (that tested my sea legs), followed by a 5 minute walk then an hour in a queue waiting to check in with everyone trying to put more things in their hand luggage(me included!) as had to pay for anything over 20Kg for 1 bag!
Looking forward to catching up with Marg & Swany in Athens before starting our 10 day cruise the next day. (8July)
Not our accommodation!
Our yellow/gold room. Note the braid around the edge of the ceiling & even down the edges of each wall.
These waiters must be very hot but they do look very smart at the Cafe Florian.
Michael got over having to pay €42.40 ($60) for 3 beers! on our 1st day.
Also had a few night caps after dinner where we met John & Jean from England.
One of the many canals taken at 2200 after a lovely dinner & few night caps!
The prison of the palace where we could take photos!
Hotel Cipriano & gardens.
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