Monday 9/12 

Travel Day!  As Rosita so succinctly put it, we needed to be “toileted” and “caffeinated” by 9 to be ready for a brisk walk to the station.

I think everyone was happy to have a no bike day and eagerly anticipate Venice.

The day was clear, sunny and hot! Thought I’d melt. Rosita walked us from the station to get a quick gondola ride across the Grand Canal.  That was a surprise!

Then the “forced March” took us through alleys and campos (squares) over the Rialto bridge to the Tedeschi.

Later we found out that the building and a number of others are owned by Benetton ( the United Colors of… fame). This new building is a very upscale department store. It reminded me of Hermes or Tiffany’s. Each floor was product specific, the employees were beautifully dressed and coifed and pieces of an art exhibit were displayed throughout the gallery. We were scheduled for the rooftop city view that blew us away!!

All of us!

Then the march continued to St Mark’s square where we were surprised to see "acqua alta" (high water) of huge puddles throughout.  It was a combination of high tide, moon and rain.

The crowds of tourists were immense, and St Mark's itself was enveloped in scaffolding, as was the bell tower.  I was so disappointed. 

Ah!  Bella!

We met Catarina, a guide who gave us some history of the basilica and explained the symbolism surrounding the square.  She then took us around to the "bridge of sighs"

and through back alleys and over more bridges than I could count!  We must've walked close to 10 miles.

A short ferry ride on the Venetian Lagoon took us to Lido Island to our hotel, the Ausonia & Hungaria. The hotel had been recently renovated and was beautiul! 

After we settled in, we had drinks at the bar, and then gave our tootsies a break after the 10 miles!  Dinner was on our own, so we stayed local and ate across from the hotel, to the thumping club music coming from a private party - shall we dance -  untz - untz - untz - is it music?