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When last I wrote I was coming down with a cold. So I was laid low for a couple of days. The real disappointment was missing my tour of Montenegro. From all reports the countryside was beautiful, the people welcoming and the food and wine were delicious.
Since it was chilly and drizzling when we entered Venice I also bagged the gondola ride. Ever since I watched a cruise ship sail into Venice I have wanted to experience it and I wasn’t disappointed. We passed the Moses project that is almost completed and , it is hoped, will help protect the city from the Alta Agua, the high tides that flood the city. Then we sailed by the Lido, playground for the Venetians who want to enjoy the sun and sand. We passed by the entrance to the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square. The crowds were huge and the boat traffic like rush hour on the thruway. As we proceeded to our berth the bells started ringing from all the bell towers on the shore. I’d like to think they were welcoming us but it was noon. Venice mandates that we have tug escorts, one with a
line to the bow and another at the stern just in case we loose power. We berthed without incident and although it was raining lightly the ship emptied quickly as the guests went ashore. I went to the cabin to nap.
Tonight’s dinner was bittersweet as I had to wish bon-voyage to my new friends. It was wonderful to share the first 12 days with them. They will be a tough act to follow.
The next day dawned sunny and warm and while my new friends headed to the airport, I took the water bus to St. Mark’s. It was even busier than yesterday and instead of battling the crowds I took a water bus up the Grand Canal. It was standing room only but that gave me a great view of the palazzos of the 1% of the 14th century. If there was a richer town at the time I haven’t heard of it. Venice’s trading empire reached through the Med an remnants of their domination can be found all over the eastern region.
The palazzos are richly embellished with carving and statuary as each one tried to outdo the
other. I got off at the Rialto Bridge and decided it was time for a snack, secured a seat on the canal with a great view of the traffic. I had a Soave and not so great pizza but I chatted with Dave from San Francisco. He is traveling through Italy by himself. I would guess he was his seventies and not only has to use a cane but also has renal failure and needs dialysis twice a week. His planning has to take that into account but it doesn’t stop him from looking for new experiences. He and his partner split after 15 years together but Dave seems to accept the situation with grace.
While we chatted the gondolas passed by, some gondoliers serenading the guests. Unfortunately, the only song seem to be Volaire. Dean would be pleased but..........
By this time the crowds had only increased and I decided to head back to the ship and just enjoy the sun on deck.
At dinner I was all alone at a table for eight so I sought a table change and enjoyed the evening with Mom and two daughters from Santa Barbara, A Scottish gentleman who looks like the Duke of Windsor and a lady who, while pleasant, seemed a bit of a nit picker. While we were dining the ship made it’s way into the Adriatic on it’s way to Croatia.
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