We Made It - First look at Italy!

We arrived in Venice on time after our overnight flight from Toronto. Some of us had more rest that others. Thanks to my busy week and cold, I was able to sleep almost the entire flight. I was even able to fall asleep before our delayed fellow passengers arrived and boarded.

Bill had hired a water taxi for us from the airport and we walked to the pier and sped outta there. Our captain did not appreciate our excitement and shouted at us in Italian for putting our feet on his seats. We were taken right from the airport to our bus (vaporetto) stop, Salute, near our hotel. From there, it was a 5 min walk and there was even a ramp over one bridge to ease our passage.

So far, it’s a perfect day!! The weather is great. Feels so good to be in the sun and have a nice cool breeze.

The name of our “local” church is Santa Maria della Salute (English: Saint Mary of Health). It is one of the most popular tourist attractions, and was designed in the Baroque style. The church was constructed after a terrible bout of the Black Plague to give thanks and was consecrated in 1638.

Also near our hotel there was a take out spot that served coffee, sandwiches, juice and snacks. I bought a juice blend - pear, melon, ginger and celery, and an apple tart for my Sweet Tart, and a bottle of wine to have in the room.

Everyone met downstairs on the cozy patio at 4:30 and we took the vaporetto to Accademia and toured the area (only because we were lost) before finding Vecio Marangon, a restaurant that had been recommended by our hotel. We enjoyed some great pasta, salads and fish. It was a tight fit at the table, but it was well worth it!

The “adults” went off to explore and to find some gelato. Bill and I walked over to St Mark’s Square for a drink and snacks by St Mark’s cathedral while the sun set. It was early, but I was falling asleep in my wine, so we headed back to the room on good time and crashed hard.