Venezia

May 23, 2005--After a pleasant dinner at Osteria Lcche C'eC'e we got gelato and settled in for a good night's sleep because the next day we were taking the train to Venice! Getting on the train was crazy. We met a older couple from Colorado and we followed them onto the first car not realizing that our car was #6. So we had to drag our luggage and bags thru the tiny isles of the train. Everyone probably thought "dumb Americans". We certainly felt it. We arrived in Venice to cloudy skies. We got off and bought our return tickets to Florence and Siena so we wouldn't have to come back the the train depot. The tickets came to 61e. We then purchased the tickets for the Vaporetto, 13.50e (3.50 e for luggage) We got on and took pictures of the beautiful palaces we passed along the way and got off at the Academia Bridge. Walking through the winding streets we finally found our home away from home--Ca' Turella. It was adorable. And the street was so quaint. No one answered the door so we camped out on the step. We waited about and hour and a half for Danata to come. A cute teenage couple were making out across the canal. It was entertaining watching them and helped pass the time. I left to find food. I took the first right turn and walked down what felt like a tunnel and ran into a pizza shop. We were so hungry and tired, I was glad I didn't have to go far. I bought 2 slices of spinach and cheese and two cokes, and walked back after looking around. I heard my first sounds of Bocelli coming from a window and felt happy. The pizza was really delicious. It hit the spot. Danata finally arrived. She was very apologetic and felt bad that we had to wait. The place was exactly like the pictures on the internet. (I used Veniceby.com, Tuscanyby.com and Florenceby.com) The place was adorable. We were very happy with our room and private bath. It was spotless as well. It had just been remodeled a year ago. It was the home of Danata's mother in law. To operate a bread and breakfast in Venice you have to have someone living on the property. So her mother in law lives in one of the rooms. In Venice they didn't have internet cafe's so we couldn't contact the kids. We bought a phone card, but it must of been an international card because it didn't work so we bought a US card. Duh! We walked over the Accademia Bridge and found our way to St. Marks square. It was huge. I fed the pigeons which I could of done all day. I know, I know... everyone gets creaped out about birds but I loved it. I must of been a statue in my former life!

We went into St. Marks Basilica. It was gorgeous with best known examples of Byzantine architecture. After that we walked to San Polo. It was late and dark at this point and we were just having fun walking around and around. But our stomachs were growling so we bought a large zucchini pizza and two drinks that cost 10e. We sat in the piazza and ate every bite in the dark, watching people wandering around.

May 24, 2005--Kevin had a hard time sleeping that night because he said the bed was crunchy!? We woke up and couldn't believe we were actually waking up in Venice! We had a lovely breakfast in the lovely breakfast area. I had chamomile tea with vanilla and honey that was so fragrant and rolls with honey and jam. All was served by a really sweet gal that reminded me of Florence (our Nigerian friend that lived with us.) We walked back to the square again and took the elevator up to the top of the Il Campinelle. While Kevin stood in line I went to look for post cards. Bought one for Dean and SallyAnn, Peter, Anna, Elisabeth and Richard. We met two women from England. Had a nice chat with them. They suggested we go to Burano (Island). Another couple that Kevin met at the Train station suggested going as well. He was from South Africa but grew up in New Zealand. The two of them had been traveling to Vietnam, Australia, Indonesia, Berlin, Venice and were on their way to Rome and then to the UK. They had been on the road for two months. They were the most delightful couple, young and cute as can be.

We bought tickets to take the ferry to the Island of Burano which is known for it's lace making. Murano, the other island is famous for blowing glass. We had a while before the ferry left so we walked and found a shop and purchased olives, cheese, bread and fruit that we ate on the ferry. It was a bright and sunny day. Perfect for a ride on the water. We met two young sisters on the ferry and shared our lunch with them. As we neared the island the tower on Burano looked like the leaning tower of Pisa. The houses on the island were adorable. Each painted bright cheery colors of red, blue, purple, yellow and green. It reminded us of the gingerbread houses on Martha's Vineyard. I loved the little shops. In each little shop you can watch ladies making lace, something I'd never seen before. I loved looking at all the beautiful blessing dresses. I purchased about ten lace hankerchiefs to give to family and friends. I should of purchased more because once you left the island you rarely saw them. We stayed about 2 hours hours and then headed back to Venice.

We crossed the famous Bridge of Sighs. Walked around some more and ended up at the bakery by our bed and breakfast. We treated ourselves to a nice dinner that night. It was the best meal of the trip. For an appetizer we ordered a seafood platter. We were brave and tried octopus for the first time!! It was good but it had a funky texture that were weren't use to. Kevin had spaghetti and mussels. I had spaghetti in tomato sauce. For second course Kevin had roast beef and french fries and I had breaded chicken. Everything was delicious. Kevin loved the wine. I loved the cola and my water with gas!

While we were in Venice, I asked some man to sing "O Sole Mio" in honor of my Dad's 86th birthday that week. When I was growing up that was the song my dad would sing over and over (and yes--it drove my mother crazy!) I wished my Dad could of been there to sing along. Maybe the man could of taught him another verse or two.

We left and walked to St. Mark's square and listened to the dueling orchestras. We got up the next morning and had breakfast at 8 and paid our bill. Said our goodbyes to beautiful Venice and caught the train to Siena. On the way to Siena we met a sweet couple from Florida. He was the director/writer for a musical in Copenhagen. He also directs other venues like Super Bowls. I loved the lady. She had just gone thru chemo. She talked alot about faith and told me about "Jesus roses", which I gathered were like what I call "God winks". I hope she has a full recovery. The world needs people like her.