It started with a couple drops here and there, enough to give us all the time to think about how we were in the middle of the canal with no protection from the coming downpour. Perhaps it was punishment for choosing the most overpiced, touristy thing to do in Venice, the gondola ride, where for thirty minutes we were slowly guided through the narrow, aqua green canals. Pointed out to us by our oarsman was the Mozart house, Marco Polo house, and of course, the Realto Bridge over the Grand Canal. The only problem was, of course, that it started to rain, and heavily at that. We heard a heavy Italian accent reassuring us from behind, "No problem!" as he threw various umbrellas our way. We opened them in a futile attempt to stay dry and for a solid ten minutes saw nothing but the inside of an umbrella. The rain eventually abated, but long after we were soaked through. Still, smiles were shared and we all agreed that we really couldn't have gone two days in Venice and not have done a gondola ride. It's just something you do. I guess we could have picked a better time than the afternoon when thunder showers were predicted, but that's for next time.
Our morning was spent exploring by foot, the only other mode of transportation around here. We joined the throngs of tourists and meandered our way through pedestrian walkways and alleys that somehow or another eventually led somewhere. I'm amazed, but we never found ourselves terribly lost or disoriented. I suppose we just went wherever we saw people and that tended to keep us on track. We stopped at the Realto Bridge where we looked into the various shops selling the famous Venice glass and the masks. A little further had us emerging into the enormous St Mark's Square. It was there, after a few pictures, where we split up. I really like to give the kids a chance to explore on their own and Venice, with it's water on all sides, gives a nice natural boundary. Sahra and I explored as well and after a few hours we all met up again having seen some of the same sights.
One would think that all that walking in Spain would give us super powers around a town like Venice where your feet are paramount, but it was quite the contrary. We all felt tired and slow. It seems we are still recovering from the 500+ miles. On top of the that, while in Spain we got in the rhythm of ending our day with a nap around 3pm. Our bodies were craving that nap as we exited that gondola ride soaking wet. After a brief pit stop at the grocery store to pick up dinner supplies, we were all back at the apartment lounging about.
Because me and Sahra wanted to try a pizza place right next to the apartment, we got to watch the girls prepare a seafood pasta similar to the one we made last night. For all you parents reading, please know that despite any pleas of incompetence, they all know how to make a dish. I came out of the shower to the lovely aromas of fresh garlic in olive oil, seafood, and the sounds of pasta boiling. Hopefully they will offer to make something upon returning before it is requested or downright demanded.
Tomorrow should be a somewhat relaxing day. We have to check out of the apartment, but Pietro, our host, arranged for us to leave our bags until the late afternoon, sparing us the trouble of having to lug our backpacks around all day. In the evening, we have to make our way back to the Santa Lucia train station where we will board the city nightline train to Munich. Like all train travel, it will probably be slow and somewhat uncomfortable, but these are small prices to pay to get to see and do some of things for which we have had the opportunity. Plus, it is one stop closer to home. As much fun as it is to be out here, it has been a long journey and we are anxious to see our friends and family. Just a few more days and we will do just that!
Ciao,
James
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