Second Day in Venice
Up and out early. After breakfast we've decided to explore
Venice but it will have to be in the pouring rain today so no painting or even
sketching. We look like tourists in our brightly colored purple, green and pink
ponchos sold in all the touristy places for rainy days like this one. We look like the Candy Crush Girls – double-bubble, spearmint and grape!
We're ultimately headed to San Marco Square,
but between there and the hotel we stopped in what seems like every shop along
the way. I didn’t travel all this way to
shop and as someone who doesn't even like to enter a mall in America (I’m
certainly not the norm), I can't believe I'm doing this in Venice, but the
bargains are extraordinary. Couldn't buy
clothes, handbags, etc. at these prices in the states. It’s also fun to interact by bantering and bartering
with the vendors.
Our stomachs dictated when it was time for
lunch, so we started looking around as we walked down one alley, one 'road'
(the roads actually all look like tiny lanes or alleys) after another. Then we looked quickly down what looked like
a very wet, dark alley that wet pavements only made more sinister looking and
saw what looked like a restaurant sign.
Otherwise there were only shops out on the main lane or
pastry/cappuccino/gelato shops. There
really wasn't anything obvious that would have indicated a restaurant, but our
instinct paid off. So we all walked down the alley and looked in a door that
didn't divulge much more, but once we stepped inside it was like walking
through the looking glass from a gloomy, dark and wet day, into a space where we
were surrounded by a light and airy plants; an open airy atmosphere filled with
a hive of activity of many white-coated waiters rushing around and fashionable
Italians seated at white linen-cloth covered tables. There were ice-filled containers filled with
freshly caught Adriatic fish and freshly mixed greens. The restaurant was filled with mostly local
Italians so we thought this must be a good sign. Like last night's dinner of fresh
fish, our dinners here have been extraordinarily delicious. After Spritzes and Bellinis we were laughing
at our fatigue. Our waiter joined in the laughter with a great flair and a show
for our benefit. I ordered a sampling of
freshly caught Adriatic fish that was like nothing even in our coastal towns in
America. The Italians really know how to
prepare their meals.
Lunch was a grand respite, but back out on the
walking tour and by the time we reached San Marco square I was beyond tired and
my legs weren't going to hold up much longer.
It still took four hours or so to return to the hotel as every shop
deserved a look. Sleep didn't take long
when it was finally time.
Along the way we explored the Venetian Fish
Market. The fish section had closed by
the time we arrived, but most of the vendors’ stands were still filled with
delicious fresh produce.
