Italy Extras

Italy! April 17 Sunday - Venice to Switzerland to Los Angeles

We woke up early to catch the earliest water ferry from the nearest stop to Venice Airport.  Imagine, arriving at an airport via water! We arrived in plenty of time via foot to the station, and caught the sunrise where the sky changed from hues of blues to orange. Little did we know, the boat that we were to take to the airport needed a special ticket to ride. Fortunately, the driver accommodated us as we threw money at him, and squeezed us in.  We would have had to somehow arrange for a private taxi to get us on our flight on time if we didn't catch this particular ferry!  We took Swiss Air home, connecting to Switzerland. Excellent service and creamy chocolate snacks.

Steve and I fit in so much during our seven night stay in Italy. Traveling with someone reveals so much, and we do travel well together! What a great way to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

Italy! April 16 Saturday - Dinner and Nighttime Stroll in Venice

We decided to have dinner at a restaurant down the street, Osteria Ai 40 Ladroni, which we found through Yelp reviews. A favorite with the locals, far removed from the main touristy attractions, Osteria clearly accommodates its regulars, as they set up a small table for a friendly patron right next to us when the rest of the restaurant was full. We enjoyed a seafood platter, where the fish was deboned right before us, as well as a grilled vegetable plate. We also ordered our half liter of wine. A walk through St. Mark's Square with music playing about, a sighting of the Bridge of Sighs, and shopping for glass trinkets ended our whirlwind one-night magical stay in Venice.

Italy! April 16 Saturday - Boat Tour of Venice

Gondola or boat tour? It was not a difficult decision when the hotel clerk suggested a boat tour as an option, as they hire out water taxi drivers for a tour around the Grand Canal and in and out of other areas of the city, places where a single gondolier could not have the energy for. It was a beautiful boat and even though we entered it last of six passengers, we asked the driver if we could sit in the front on the side seats and he quickly obliged. We felt like high rollers with the best views throughout the whole tour!