You know, you go on vacation to Venice and you think of things like canals, gondolas, and … well something other than mosquitoes. I’ve killed at least 8 in our room. The only thing worse than having to chase down and kill a mosquito is chasing it down and killing it only to realize that it just splatted your own blood back on you! Little bastard. Yay for soap!
I think I’ve been bitten 9 times (I’m not joking).
Today was great! Hands down the warmest day this trip. I put on sunscreen twice (boo skin cancer). Rain was predicted, but we got up this morning and the sun was shining! So after breakfast it was off to Murano and the amazing glass they make. Seriously, I have to win the lotto so I can come back and buy the really good stuff. We each got some odds and ends (not saying as some may be gifts) that were very nice, but there were pieces that were waaaay outside our price range. I found a gorgeous “plate” that was the most amazing blue you have ever seen with large dots of yellow in it (say 4 large ones). It was 385 euros. I did not buy it, but oh my god was I tempted.
Side note. Here in Venice they have floating “barges” that you wait on for the boat to come pick you up. While waiting in one that both the 41 and 52 boat stops at, Angela asked me “Which one is this?” To which I replied, “Which one what?” Angela: “That sign says 41 and 52.” Me: “Yes it does.” We went back and forth for a bit with Angela getting more and more upset that I kept saying “I don’t know what the problem is.” Finally, this Abbot and Costello sideshow ended when I said “We are not on a boat yet.” Angela said “Oh, well that’s ok, then.”
Coming back from Murano we (accidentally and my fault) took the scenic route. We have now gone ALL THE WAY AROUND Venice by boat. At least it was a sunny and beautiful day for it. After dropping off all our stuff in the room we headed back out and took the Line 1 boat down the Grand Canal. Again, a nice ride even though we were on what amounts to a commuter bus.
Yet another nice dinner (a bit pricey for the food, but we expected that). The calamari is reaaaaallllly good here. Even the worst we’ve had so far is better than what we’ve had in SF. Tonight we sat outside along a canal, very nice with the sun going down and people watching. Then back to the room. It’s odd, even though we have over a week left in Paris, it still feels a bit like the vacation is over. It’s not, but that feeling is there.
Venice is gorgeous and fun and energetic (in a mellow way), but like they say “It’s a nice play to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live here.” So far Prague remains my favorite this trip and the place I really want to go back to and see the things I missed. And eat more fried meat and drink more local beers. I think what sticks out most for me on this part of the trip is the truly stunning Murano glass. It’s just phenomenal. I would really like to go back and get more some day. The houses on Burano were fun too. Oh, and gelato from Café Nico.
What did I learn in Venice? You can see places selling panini everywhere, except when you want one. Everything is more expensive than you thought it might be. Valentino makes great suits (I knew that, but was reminded walking around near San Marco Square). Gondola rides are a RIP OFF. I mean, I’m sure they are fun and all, but at 100 euro’s for 40 minutes you better toss in a hot Italian woman for me to make out with, Pavarotti singing, and someone on the accordion (no, we did not make it on the gondola ride).
Goodbye Venice, I hope to see you again some day.
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