Karyn's Day: Venice Appears

Rain on the roof last night. At first I thought it was possums, but then that steady rhythm set in! Consequently we dragged our cases through drizzle to the bus stop...50 metres away. Caught an uncrowded bus to the station and all worked well. On board by 9.25am. The train moved through the plains below the Alps, bulk agriculture and industry. Having arrived at the station for Venice, one moves through the usual train building and then Voila! there is the Grand Canal and the Renaissance-type structures of Venice. As if you step from one era to another.

We pondered the purchase of the ferry-bus ticket and were directed to our particular dock. 45 minutes later we arrived at our destination to be met by Damien who escorted us to our BnB apartment. At the junction of two canals we are in the midst of Venetian life. After a settling cuppa, we headed off into the maze that is Venice. We had read about a less-visited enclave , and managed to find it. It included a Jewish Neighbourhood and after a quick lunch we visited a small museum that explained the most interesting Jewish connection.

Then we wandered. Apparently if you do not get lost in Venice...you haven't really been there! Understandable, as the place is a web of tiny, random alley ways, but with Lana's absolutely determined navigation skills...we always knew where we were. Had a great chat with an artisan mask maker, think Carnivale. Unfortunately his papier-mache mask skills are being usurped by mass plastic. So sad.

Back to our neighbourhood, a visit to the local supermarket where service was like an accidental stumble, and then a night in...complete with wine and cheese.

Unlike France, finding a coffee that is not super strong was easy...cafe latte! However, after four days of trying, each latte is like a warm coffee milkshake. Perhaps a cuppacino will be a better bet. Cheers