Gondola and Food

 Today we got up (although that’s still a bit of a struggle - time change, etc.) and had some breakfast downstairs in the hotel.  Then we wandered over to where we were having a gondola ride.  After some technical rigamarol, we were seated in our gondola for a half hour jaunt through the many canals that make up the pathways of this city.  It’s a “must do” kind of thing when you’re in Venice.

And Gerardo, of course (his Venetian name).

And this is the building where Mozart lived for a period of time.

Who knew?

We toured around on some interior canals, then came out to the Grand Canal, and the Basilica of Saint Mary of Health.  Advertising that happens, even on this church ?? :(

After the gondola ride, we went back to our hotel.  Gerard took a break, then I went out for a jaunt.  Went to this neat bookstore.  These stairs are made of books (within the bookstore).  

And this house is surrounded by water.

And the mascaron, warding off evil spirits.

In general, Venice is very unique.  So many scenes like this.

So that was the daytime.  Tonight, we did a food tour of Venice.  It was a great tour we did with 8 other people from the U.S. and Australia.  We had a great time.  Although we climbed over a dozen bridges, Emma, our guide, was thoroughly enjoyable.  Lots of food and drink included, capping it all off with gelato.

Here’s a photo of her with Paul and Eleanor.

Definitely a fun way to spend our last night in Venice.  Yes, our last night here :(

Touch wood, we were forewarned of pickpockets being a problem in Venice.  There are even signs warning people, but we have not experienced anything like that, nor seen anything like that happening.  I guess there’s always a first time, but we’ve been lucky that way.