Dear Gondoliers,
Our last day in Venice was more of the same - a delightful prospect. We headed again into charming alleyways in search of a small momento or keepsake. Murano glass is everywhere and some of it not all that attractive. We have found some small pieces that we love. I only hope I don't break them when dusting!!! good reason not to dust I reckon!
We again found ourselves at the Rialto via a different route but got some great shots so Siobhan was very happy. We also found a unique mask that I loved and one that Siobhan said would'nt give her nightmares and was one she could live with ! I was molto happy! As we again had lunch at the same very nice ristorante as the day before, the lovely waiter gave us a freebie Bellini and here we lunched. Watching the traffic again, it proved the laws of adaptability by humans all over the world.
Without main streets or roads to cruise in their hotted up cars with doof- doof music blaring, we were concerned what the young men of Venice did to compensate. We didn't have to wait long.Turns out, you buy your granddad's old boat from him, paint it a bloody lurid colour, carry a boom box on board and turn up the volume to the max, gel your hair full of product a la St Kilda footballer style, casually sling one arm over the side of the boat and place your other hand ever so casually at the top of the wheel and look perennially bored, as you cruise up and down the Grand Canal - Fabulous!!!!!!
We wanted to get a better idea of Venice from the water so we jumped on the local ferries to get a comprehensive idea of the waterways, the grand canal and it's full length. This is their public transport system and it's way cool. After that, we did what we had decided to do the day before. Before arriving in Venice the thought of paying 80€ for a 30 minute gondola ride was to both of us - utterly ridiculous, overpriced and tourist nonsense. Well, yes, perhaps it is all of that- but it was also one of the loveliest things we have done this trip. Antonio, our Gondolier, was a lovely fellow. The trip is so quintessentially Venetian That. It just has to be done. And we savored every second of it. The gracefulness and skill of both driver and craft was only overshadowed by experiencing Venice from this unique perspective. If you find yourselves here- it really is a must do!!!!
After more wandering we ended up in this terrific local bar that served great wine by the glass. But that wasn't the selling point. We had walked back in time as we sat and enjoyed an 80's soundtrack that included, Culture Club, Howard Jones, Human League, Mel & Kim, the Eurythmics, New Order inter alia. Had we had one more glass of wine, Siobhan would have been on the table leading the dance moves!!!!!!! Hilarious.
Our wonderful stay in Venice came to an end and we head to Fair Verona just over an hour away by train. You cannot describe the unique beauty of Venice and do it justice. It is a stand out place and one that will stay with us both for ever!
Happy Masquerading !
Kelly & Siobhan xxxx
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