Off the Ship and in Venice

Arriving in Venice
Venice, Italy
May 24, 2024

 The day started early. Chris and I were both up before 6 AM preparing to depart our home for the past 11 days. We had a complicated travel day which included a port transfer to the Ravenna train station, a train to Bologna and a change there for the Venice train. And then, silly me, hopefully a taxi to our lodging. Well, as I learned there are no land taxis in Venice. We wound up walking.

Chris on a Venetian Bridge
Venice, Italy
May 24, 2024

Everything went smoothly. Amazing--well except for the final part. As it turned out our lodging was only about an 8 minute walk from the train station. It was the two bridges with stairs and me dragging two suitcases each weighing about 40 pounds that was the problem. This was after having to do a last minute bag drag in Ravenna because they changed the platform for the train at the last minute and that meant dragging the bags down narrow stairs and then up stairs to get to the correct platform.

The trains were clean and nice. We enjoyed our almost three-hour journey.

White Building is where our Apartment is located
Venice, Italy
May 24, 2024

Arriving in Venice was a bit of a shock after the past 11 nights aboard a cruise ship. We were not part of a tour group and had to find our way ourselves. We managed and did some great exploring after arriving at our apartment. 

Happy Hour on the Grand Canal
Pinot Grigio and Aperol Spritz 
Venice, Italy
May 24, 2024

The building is being remodeled and our actual apartment is very modern. The building is getting new electrical and water systems along with a facelift. 

After getting oriented, we headed back to the Grand Canal where we walked around and enjoyed the sights and the crowds while also enjoying Happy Hour at a hotel located on the Grand Canal across from the train station. There was a lot of activity to keep us entertained. Later we took dinner as a small local restaurant across the street from the apartment. It was very enjoyable except for the cigarette smoke. Many Venetians smoke. 

After dinner we went for a short walk, but as the sun was setting the temperature was dropping, so we headed back to our apartment to reflect on the day. One thing we realized was that exactly 2 weeks ago today we arrived in Rome and the adventure began.

We have two days remaining in Venice and then travel back to Rome in preparation for the flight home. I am very happy that we have a direct flight. I cannot believe that our holiday is coming to an end and we are beginning to prepare for the long trip home.

-- Bob Doan, Venice, Italy