Venice

We steamed towards Venice and entered the Grand Canal just after lunch. It was spectacular to see the city from this high perch at the top of the ship. There were three ships coming in at once, so this provided extra interest in watching them all dock. We were allowed off the ship at 2:00 PM, and we were on our own to explore the city. The ship is spending the night so there were no real deadlines to hit for getting back. (Speaking of deadlines to get back to the ship - we have been entertained on the nights that we are leaving port, watching the late arriving passengers stroll up. Most don’t seem to be sweating it - my blood pressure would be through the roof! They warn people that they could be left behind if they miss the deadlines. They know exactly who isn’t back on the ship, because we have to insert our card in a machine when we get off - the wonders of technology! At the deadline, they overhead page for family/friends of the missing passengers to call. Then they begin pacing the dock.)

We got on the vaparetto that took us to St. Mark’s Square, and tried to get into the beautiful mosaic church located there. We just missed the deadline for getting in. Ken even remembered his zip on pant legs, but they were all for not. We spent the next several hours wandering the back streets of Venice. Things here are very expensive, but you have to figure in that everything is transported by boat and by hand to get it in to the city. Lots of designer shops. We didn’t buy anything here. We then took one of the vaparetto’s out towards the island of Murano. About half way, we decided to get off, and we strolled down a park like area next to the Grand Canal. When the legs and enthusiasm gave out, we jumped another water bus back to the area of the ship, where we had dinner.

Day 2 Venice: Just before getting off the ship, we started talking with our Russian room steward Ihar (pronounced E-har). He was asking for advice on how he could see some of Venice in the 3 hours that he had off. We weren’t going to be using the balance of our vaparetto pass, so we gave that to him (typical segments on the vaparetto are over 6.0 Euros (or approximately $9.00 US). We filled him in on the directions to where he needed to go, and we worried all day like parents whether he would get on the right vaparetto to the ship before we sailed. Fortunately, he was here when the ship sailed, and he was thrilled with all that he saw in Venice. He said “I take lots of peectures!”
At 8:00 AM, we boarded a boat to go out to the islands of Burano and Murano. Burano is famous for its lace making, and Murano for the glass. We saw a demonstration on the glass making, and then taken into a store - VERY expensive - especially when you have to pay in Euros. We passed on any glass purchases, but I did find a bracelet. The price didn’t cause Ken to have a stroke. We got back to the ship, and took our usual perch of watch the late arrivers.

We have been very surprised at the number of Russian passengers on this ship. When announcements are made, they are first done in English, and then in Russian (the only other language they repeat them in). The cabins on either side of us have Russians in them. Lots of smokers, which is a little aggravating when one is seeking a quiet moment on the balcony. The general people watching has been great, and we have named the odd balls. See attached pictures for the “best of” cruise passengers.

Today, we are sailing for Messina, down by the toe of Italy. I seem to have picked up a flu bug (possibly the dreaded Noro virus that frequents cruise ships). The aches, chills, and trots continue today - thank goodness for a day a sea to recover. I hope to feel better by tomorrow, when we have a five hour excursion. Nothing more fun than needed a bathroom when you don’t know where they are, or how much they will cost!

Ciao,

Peggy and Ken