Traveling to Venice

Saturday- and we had to take our leave from Ada Nada. One last country breakfast of salami, cheese, fresh-baked rolls, cake and coffee. With a fond farewell to Gian Carlo, Analisa, Elvio and the gang- we were on our way to Venice on the autostrada. The grape harvest was about to begin and Dan was disappointed we didn’t get to help- but more splendor awaits.
5 hours in the car with Daniel Andretti- king of speed- got us to Venice by mid-afternoon, We dropped the car off at Marco Polo airport and hopped the bus with our very heavy suitcases to the Piazzale Roma, where we would take the vaporetto (water bus) to our hotel. If we ever do this again we are both packing 2 outfits and that’s it! Odd coincidence, while on the vaporetto a woman questioned Dan about his shirt – it was embroidered with OMG. Turns out she was an owner, and Dan used to play golf once in a while with her brother Jim Mooney. Small world.
We got off at the Rialto bridge stop, one of the main points of Commerce in Venice
Dan asked around and much to our horror we found out our hotel was across the bridge.It doesn’t sound so bad but we had HEAVY suitcases and the streets were packed with tourists, Sweating and pulling the suitcases was CHALLENGING, but some guy helped me and we made it. The awe of Venice is still on the edge of consciousness as we deal with logistics. A friendly bartender actually guided us to the Pensione Guerrato. It’s old-ish, dark-ish, but full of antique chests and lamps and has a distinct personality. We were thrilled to be in the room- clean and comfy. We practically ran out of the room after getting oriented, and back to our friendly bartender’s restaurant for an incredible Venetian meal of grilled veggies, octopus, veal meatballs with peas and veal in a mushroom sauce. Bottle of refosco to go along with it. The greatest meal of a lifetime!
Now onto the magic of Venice!

We did a long vaporetto ride to Lido, and then back to San Marco to walkabout the Rialto and St. Marks. Venice is incomparable and words can hardly describe the beauty and antiquity. Built around 500-1000AD, it was once the trading empire of the world. I think the uniqueness of Venice is found in its ceilings for they are carved, gold, painted and full of the story of Venice. Some are rustic with ancient beams and some are gilded lavish artwork, mosaics and jewels. Chandeliers are everywhere, and this city looks to its past as the raison detre of the present. One must always remember to look up! It’s crowded and bustling with tourists and has its share of cheap souvenir stands. But NOTHING can alter the beauty of this landscape, It’s one of a kind. We walked the narrow streets and soaked in the watery magic of Venezia.