Venice

Venice was a mixed bag for me. The weather was rainy most of the time, so I wasn't able to take many pictures. When the weather was decent, the crowds were overwhelming at any of the touristy sites. We arrived late, about 22:00. Our apartment was nice, but the wifi was not good, and we ran out of hot water a couple of times. I've found we can live with just about anything if it has decent beds, hot water and above all, good wifi.

On the other hand, Chris and the girls all say it was just as advertised..awesomely romantic. Go figure.

Venice itself was very beautiful, it a kind of dirty, worn way. Some of the people were very nice, but some were rude...most were kind and helpful. The girls were behind a little on their school work, and since it was rainy anyway, they tried to stay in and get their work done during the day.

But, we got out one evening for a nice dinner and a gondola ride, and some gelato.

I took Ellie in this hotel to use their restroom, which is the fanciest hotel in Venice, and when she asked me if I didn't think they'd kick us out, I said, "Nothing is too good for my girl!"..she laughed. On the way out of the restroom, we ran into Bill Gates, who smiled and said hello, but didn't ask us to join him, as he was on his way to the bathroom too. When we got outside Ellie screamed, and then Chris and Kat screamed. Celebrities!

These little kiosks were all over the place.

As I said, it rained a lot, and this night there were still puddles on the pavement, which made for a nice opportunity to get the Doges Palace in the reflection..twice as grand!

The look on her face says it all.

There was a great party going on here, but we weren't invited. Nice boat, no?

Love this picture of the shop at night.

This would be a fun boat to cruise the coast in, don't you think?

Chris bought some produce here. Be careful not to touch anything..they will yell at you if you look like you're going to pick something up. The correct way is to point and they will bag it for you, or better yet, tell them what you want and let them select the best for you.

Our little courtyard.

The "main highway" to our apartment.

Sleepy cat.

The walk to our apartment.

You can get an idea of the crowds in this shot of San Marcos square.

This was "our" gondolier, in the daylight.

Gondolier plying his trade.

This little courtyard was a couple of steps from our door.

This was our "street". There are narrow little passageways between buildings..no cars on the island!

I'd like to go back some time, and shoot for more time and better weather. It's the kind of place that calls you back. I didn't get to go to Murano or Burano, which I understand need to be seen, and we didn't get into any of the tourist sights.

Ciao!