Thursday, October 23, 2008
Day 8
A relaxing day in Katakolon. We wandered the small shopping area late in the afternoon. Becky and I had some Souvlaki from a small street vendor. I think we were fortunate to not get sick.
Day 7
Early departure for Delos on a different boat. Delos, we learned, was the financial capital of Asia Minor in the centuries before Christ. From 500 BC to 88 BC countries from Egypt to Greece brought funds to be kept on the island and they were safe until the island was captured and destroyed in 88 BC. The people who lived there all lived in their own areas according to their language and currency. Each group of people built a temple to their own god, but each Spring they spent a month celebrating and worshipping the god Apollo; who owns the island. Because the island was the God’s, no one was allowed to be born or die on it. At one point they even shipped all the poor and middle class off the island and only the very wealthy could live there.
For a long time they didn’t exchange currency, but lived with their own language and currency. About 300 BC they starting exchanging currency and were the first in the world to do so. Their homes were huge; 4000 square ft and larger. They didn’t have street addresses, but identified their homes with statues of the owners in front of the home. The statues were headless and permanent. When one took ownership, they placed a sculpture of their head on top of the statue. When you wanted to find a person’s home you walked down the street until you saw their statue.
The homes each had a central atrium open to the sky. The floor of the atrium was covered with a mosaic. Under the mosaic was porous rock to filter the rain water and it collected in a cistern for their drinking water. They also had a rudimentary sewer system. The island sits at a point where they have never had an earthquake that is why many parts of structures still stand. The reason most of the buildings and statues are destroyed is because of the capture of the island in 88 BC.
The ride to the island was rough; the wind blows hard in that area and the seas were choppy. The ride back was even worse. At one point the bow of the ship went up and then way down; so far down that I could see the water, not just the spray, over the window of the boat. We were rockin’ and rollin’, people were screaming like they were on a roller coaster.
We went back to the island of Mykonos and walked around the shops. The Greeks are fairly obsessed with the phallus and you see it in almost every shop you go into. It’s disturbing to say the least. We went into Katrina’s Little Venice restaurant to eat lunch. We had Mousaka, Pastitio, and smoked, marinated salmon. We finished it with a piece of Baklava and ice cream that we all shared. It was delicious and cost us E 50 or about $20 each.
We had the midnight buffet by the pool. It’s much smaller than they used to do. Royal Caribbean has stopped doing the huge grand buffet because of the waste. There was dancing opposite the buffet and Becky and I danced for a little while.
For a long time they didn’t exchange currency, but lived with their own language and currency. About 300 BC they starting exchanging currency and were the first in the world to do so. Their homes were huge; 4000 square ft and larger. They didn’t have street addresses, but identified their homes with statues of the owners in front of the home. The statues were headless and permanent. When one took ownership, they placed a sculpture of their head on top of the statue. When you wanted to find a person’s home you walked down the street until you saw their statue.
The homes each had a central atrium open to the sky. The floor of the atrium was covered with a mosaic. Under the mosaic was porous rock to filter the rain water and it collected in a cistern for their drinking water. They also had a rudimentary sewer system. The island sits at a point where they have never had an earthquake that is why many parts of structures still stand. The reason most of the buildings and statues are destroyed is because of the capture of the island in 88 BC.
The ride to the island was rough; the wind blows hard in that area and the seas were choppy. The ride back was even worse. At one point the bow of the ship went up and then way down; so far down that I could see the water, not just the spray, over the window of the boat. We were rockin’ and rollin’, people were screaming like they were on a roller coaster.
We went back to the island of Mykonos and walked around the shops. The Greeks are fairly obsessed with the phallus and you see it in almost every shop you go into. It’s disturbing to say the least. We went into Katrina’s Little Venice restaurant to eat lunch. We had Mousaka, Pastitio, and smoked, marinated salmon. We finished it with a piece of Baklava and ice cream that we all shared. It was delicious and cost us E 50 or about $20 each.
We had the midnight buffet by the pool. It’s much smaller than they used to do. Royal Caribbean has stopped doing the huge grand buffet because of the waste. There was dancing opposite the buffet and Becky and I danced for a little while.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Day 6
We arrive in Piraeus (Athens). We didn’t take any of the ship sponsored tours and decided to take a taxi to the Metro and then catch a train to the Acropolis and walk from there to the Plaka (shopping area). While negotiating with a taxi driver we agreed to a city tour. We took 2 taxis and they took us to the Acropolis, Zeus’ temple, the changing of the guard at the palace and to the Plaka. The ruins are amazing to see. Currently they are working at some restoration on the ruins at the Acropolis but they are still beautiful to see. We only got about 5 minutes at Zeus’ temple. The changing of the guards was interesting to watch.
In the Plaka we were told we had ½ hour to shop, but we had paid to be back at the ship by 7pm, so we took some extra time. When we gathered back at the taxis, we discovered that Judy was missing. We searched the street for nearly 1 ½ hours before heading back to the ship. We were all praying during that time that she was ok and that we would be re-united safely. I spoke with a police officer after searching for nearly 1 hour. He hadn’t had any reports of someone reporting that they were lost. We had several shop keepers watching for her. I even followed and medical team thinking she might be hurt. When I saw that she was not the injured party, I asked if they had anyone reported injured who fit her description. They had not. At that point we needed to return to the ship. Becky had already sent the others ahead before I returned to the taxis. As one of the shop keepers told us she had called the police another taxi driver came and told us that a woman fitting her description had been returned to the ship by taxi earlier. He hadn’t taken her but over the phone described her to his colleague. Through our discussion we realized that it was most likely her and returned to the ship. As we went to re-embark we saw the others in line. They were distraught that we did not have her with us. I told them to ask as they boarded if she had returned to the ship. When we boarded we didn’t see them and so we asked if she was on the ship and were told that she had checked in. Heavenly Father certainly watched over her and answered our prayers.
We learned that after she became separated from Aunt Susan she had turned the wrong way. When she didn’t find us she ended up turning off the one street we were on and then, when she realized she was lost, took a taxi back to the ship.
For dinner we had several appetizers, as well as several desserts that looked good. I ordered three appetizers and Julie also ordered three. We had anti pasti, mushroom risotto, and shrimp cocktail. Fortunately the appetizers are fairly small. Most of the table ordered chicken marsala for an entrée with raspberry panna cotta and warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Judy ordered four different desserts and shared them. Tonight our waiters danced and sang for us. Tomorrow is an early day; 7am docking at Mykonos and 7:45am excursion for Delos.
I will post pictures in one or two days.
In the Plaka we were told we had ½ hour to shop, but we had paid to be back at the ship by 7pm, so we took some extra time. When we gathered back at the taxis, we discovered that Judy was missing. We searched the street for nearly 1 ½ hours before heading back to the ship. We were all praying during that time that she was ok and that we would be re-united safely. I spoke with a police officer after searching for nearly 1 hour. He hadn’t had any reports of someone reporting that they were lost. We had several shop keepers watching for her. I even followed and medical team thinking she might be hurt. When I saw that she was not the injured party, I asked if they had anyone reported injured who fit her description. They had not. At that point we needed to return to the ship. Becky had already sent the others ahead before I returned to the taxis. As one of the shop keepers told us she had called the police another taxi driver came and told us that a woman fitting her description had been returned to the ship by taxi earlier. He hadn’t taken her but over the phone described her to his colleague. Through our discussion we realized that it was most likely her and returned to the ship. As we went to re-embark we saw the others in line. They were distraught that we did not have her with us. I told them to ask as they boarded if she had returned to the ship. When we boarded we didn’t see them and so we asked if she was on the ship and were told that she had checked in. Heavenly Father certainly watched over her and answered our prayers.
We learned that after she became separated from Aunt Susan she had turned the wrong way. When she didn’t find us she ended up turning off the one street we were on and then, when she realized she was lost, took a taxi back to the ship.
For dinner we had several appetizers, as well as several desserts that looked good. I ordered three appetizers and Julie also ordered three. We had anti pasti, mushroom risotto, and shrimp cocktail. Fortunately the appetizers are fairly small. Most of the table ordered chicken marsala for an entrée with raspberry panna cotta and warm chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Judy ordered four different desserts and shared them. Tonight our waiters danced and sang for us. Tomorrow is an early day; 7am docking at Mykonos and 7:45am excursion for Delos.
I will post pictures in one or two days.
Day 5
Today we made a lazy day. Late breakfast, I tried an English sausage—it was bland. Lunch was good. I played in a Black Jack tournament and tied for first. Tonight was the Captains Welcome Dinner—our first formal night. We had the choice of shrimp cocktail, escargot, Caesar salad, lobster bisque or citrus carpaccio for appetizers. Filet of beef, Salmon, Chicken, Pasta with mushrooms and white truffle oil, or Sea Bass for an Entrée. I had the escargot and shrimp cocktail for appetizers, with the pasta and filet for entrées. Most of us shared the appetizers and some of the entrées; even our table partners (Rob & Julie) from Texas.
After dinner we went to the show and watched a group called Graffiti Strings. They play stringed instruments while dancing, singing, and being characters. They played extremely well, especially considering they were dancing and carrying on.
After dinner we went to the show and watched a group called Graffiti Strings. They play stringed instruments while dancing, singing, and being characters. They played extremely well, especially considering they were dancing and carrying on.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Day 4
We got up and packed. Becky decided that she wanted to take the video camera and video some of the sights. So, with only 2 hours before pickup, we went out and videoed plus shopped some more (even though we had already packed). I finally found a piece of reasonably priced Murano glass and Becky found some more gifts.
Our water taxi picked us up right behind the hotel and took us to the docks. We had to walk about ½ mile to the ship.
Check in went well and was quick; much quicker than when Becky and I went on our honeymoon. We got to our cabins and went to lunch in the Windjammer Café. The food was ok, not as good as Mariner of the Seas, but good. For dinner we have a table with the six of us plus another couple from Texas, Rob and Julie. Dinner was also good, but compared to Mariner, was just ok. Misty hit the casino and the rest us wandered the shops or went back to our rooms to rest.
Our water taxi picked us up right behind the hotel and took us to the docks. We had to walk about ½ mile to the ship.
Check in went well and was quick; much quicker than when Becky and I went on our honeymoon. We got to our cabins and went to lunch in the Windjammer Café. The food was ok, not as good as Mariner of the Seas, but good. For dinner we have a table with the six of us plus another couple from Texas, Rob and Julie. Dinner was also good, but compared to Mariner, was just ok. Misty hit the casino and the rest us wandered the shops or went back to our rooms to rest.
Day 3
Today I awoke at 4am—better than yesterday. We had breakfast about 8am and then went to St. Mark’s to tour the Doge’s Palace. The Doge was the one chose to represent all of the ruling parties. Much was done to impress and intimidate the visiting dignitaries. The first was the stairway of the giants. This is a tall staircase flanked by statues of Mercury and Poseidon. The Doge never came down the stairs; those visiting had to climb them. The next wonder is the golden staircase. The ceilings of the staircase are designed with ornate carvings, paintings, and gold leaf. It was my understanding that I could not take photos inside the palace, so I checked my camera. But, apparently, that was only in certain areas. There were many who were taking photos and were not stopped by the attendants.
After wandering the ornate palace for several hours we had lunch at a sandwich shop recommended in Rick Steves, book and then returned to the hotel to rest and store more purchases.
I wanted to see the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. My plan was to walk to the bridge take pictures, see the market and return by vaporetto (water bus) to St. Mark’s. Unfortunately, the vaporetto operators scheduled Friday to strike. I wanted to use the vaporetto so we could get a break from walking. Some of the party were not doing well with all of the walking, plus we had climbed and descended many stairs in the palace (what, no elevators?). We invited everyone to go, but mom and Misty declined. The front desk clerk marked the way to the bridge and we set out for the “short” walk.
The maps for Venice are inaccurate at best. Rick Steves says to just enjoy getting lost in Venice. Well did we get lost! We ended up at St. Mark’s; which is not a big deal, one can just follow the markers to Rialto Bridge. The only problem is that there were times when the markers disappeared or times when there were two different markers pointing different directions. We weren’t the only ones lost. Many people had their maps out trying to figure out which way to go. At one point there was another American couple we visited with who wasn’t sure which way to go. I told them which direction I was taking and they said they had just gone that way and decided to turn back and go a different direction. I stepped into a pizzeria and asked which way to Rialto. The pizza maker indicated the direction I was going. I stepped out to inform the other couple, but they were already gone. We saw the bridge and as I was taking pictures from another angle, Becky talked to a gondolier about taking a gondola ride.
The cost was E 80 for the four of us. Getting into the gondola was a trip! As I stepped in it felt like it was going to tip over. Our gondolier has been operating a gondola for 32 years and is a fourth generation gondolier. He took us through the narrow canals and pointed out buildings important to Venice. There were times when the gondola would come within millimeters of other boats and yet he never struck anything. It was a nice, relaxing time off our feet. After the gondola ride we walked through the market. We found cups of freshly cut fruit and berries. I found a bratwurst and there was more shopping.
After the market we made out attempt to get back to the hotel. I followed the directions back to the hotel and thought we had reached the church we were looking for, but something wasn’t quite right. We pressed forward and I was uncomfortable, so we turned back to the church. We saw a kiosk and I asked the operator if he spoke English. He did not, but when I showed him my map and pointed to it, he made a mark to indicate where we were. We had been going the opposite direction we should have and were WAY out of our way! I saw how we could get back to where we had dinner the night before and was sure we could back from that point. When we finally arrived there and started back to the hotel, I started to second guess my sense of direction. The afternoon had been spent backtracking so often that I had the women stay where they were and I went ahead to be sure we were on the right track. I passed a German couple as I reached the point where I knew we were in the right place. As I returned to the women, I came upon the couple again and they were consulting their map. I asked if they were lost and we talked about how to get to Rialto. I told them I could get them to the church and from that point there were signs to direct them to Rialto. They followed me back and thanked me as they went on their way.
On the way back to the hotel from that point we stopped at a restaurant by a canal to have dinner so we wouldn’t have to go back out. I started back to the hotel on my own to get mom and Misty to bring them back for dinner. As I came out the door of the restaurant, they called to me. They were returning from the grocery store. We thought we were eating at one of the restaurants recommended by Rick Steves but after we were done we realized we were right next to it. I was glad to know that because the food was only fair and very expensive (because we were next to the canal).
After returning to the hotel, mom Misty and I went to St. Mark’s to go to the ATM. We got there and found that it was locked for the night (we learned the next day that we should have pushed rather than pulled on the door). On the way we had the clearest view of one of the cathedrals across the Riva we had had yet. I went back to the hotel to get my camera and monopod to take some photos. I had better results resting the camera on the bridge. By the time I got back to the room I was exhausted, hit the bed and went directly to sleep.
After wandering the ornate palace for several hours we had lunch at a sandwich shop recommended in Rick Steves, book and then returned to the hotel to rest and store more purchases.
I wanted to see the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge. My plan was to walk to the bridge take pictures, see the market and return by vaporetto (water bus) to St. Mark’s. Unfortunately, the vaporetto operators scheduled Friday to strike. I wanted to use the vaporetto so we could get a break from walking. Some of the party were not doing well with all of the walking, plus we had climbed and descended many stairs in the palace (what, no elevators?). We invited everyone to go, but mom and Misty declined. The front desk clerk marked the way to the bridge and we set out for the “short” walk.
The maps for Venice are inaccurate at best. Rick Steves says to just enjoy getting lost in Venice. Well did we get lost! We ended up at St. Mark’s; which is not a big deal, one can just follow the markers to Rialto Bridge. The only problem is that there were times when the markers disappeared or times when there were two different markers pointing different directions. We weren’t the only ones lost. Many people had their maps out trying to figure out which way to go. At one point there was another American couple we visited with who wasn’t sure which way to go. I told them which direction I was taking and they said they had just gone that way and decided to turn back and go a different direction. I stepped into a pizzeria and asked which way to Rialto. The pizza maker indicated the direction I was going. I stepped out to inform the other couple, but they were already gone. We saw the bridge and as I was taking pictures from another angle, Becky talked to a gondolier about taking a gondola ride.
The cost was E 80 for the four of us. Getting into the gondola was a trip! As I stepped in it felt like it was going to tip over. Our gondolier has been operating a gondola for 32 years and is a fourth generation gondolier. He took us through the narrow canals and pointed out buildings important to Venice. There were times when the gondola would come within millimeters of other boats and yet he never struck anything. It was a nice, relaxing time off our feet. After the gondola ride we walked through the market. We found cups of freshly cut fruit and berries. I found a bratwurst and there was more shopping.
After the market we made out attempt to get back to the hotel. I followed the directions back to the hotel and thought we had reached the church we were looking for, but something wasn’t quite right. We pressed forward and I was uncomfortable, so we turned back to the church. We saw a kiosk and I asked the operator if he spoke English. He did not, but when I showed him my map and pointed to it, he made a mark to indicate where we were. We had been going the opposite direction we should have and were WAY out of our way! I saw how we could get back to where we had dinner the night before and was sure we could back from that point. When we finally arrived there and started back to the hotel, I started to second guess my sense of direction. The afternoon had been spent backtracking so often that I had the women stay where they were and I went ahead to be sure we were on the right track. I passed a German couple as I reached the point where I knew we were in the right place. As I returned to the women, I came upon the couple again and they were consulting their map. I asked if they were lost and we talked about how to get to Rialto. I told them I could get them to the church and from that point there were signs to direct them to Rialto. They followed me back and thanked me as they went on their way.
On the way back to the hotel from that point we stopped at a restaurant by a canal to have dinner so we wouldn’t have to go back out. I started back to the hotel on my own to get mom and Misty to bring them back for dinner. As I came out the door of the restaurant, they called to me. They were returning from the grocery store. We thought we were eating at one of the restaurants recommended by Rick Steves but after we were done we realized we were right next to it. I was glad to know that because the food was only fair and very expensive (because we were next to the canal).
After returning to the hotel, mom Misty and I went to St. Mark’s to go to the ATM. We got there and found that it was locked for the night (we learned the next day that we should have pushed rather than pulled on the door). On the way we had the clearest view of one of the cathedrals across the Riva we had had yet. I went back to the hotel to get my camera and monopod to take some photos. I had better results resting the camera on the bridge. By the time I got back to the room I was exhausted, hit the bed and went directly to sleep.
Day 2
I awakened at 2am and lay awake until 3am when I started to read. Unfortunately I woke Becky up and neither of us could go back to sleep. When it was time to eat, we went to the hotel dining room for our complimentary breakfast. As I expected, there were several varieties of slice meat (ham, salami, and something else), cheese, scrambled eggs (very wet), sausage, cereal, several varieties of bread, fruit, yogurt, juice—a very nice spread. We left the hotel to go see Venice. Our first activity was to take our tour of the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. We found our tour operator and had some time to spend while waiting to depart. We looked at the little vendor’s kiosks along the Riva to get an idea of what knick-knacks were available.
We arrived in Murano and were taken to a glass sculpting demonstration. They shaped what looked like a vase and then sculpted a horse for us. From the demonstration we were taken into the showroom (so we could purchase of course!). There were many beautiful items. I found some wine glasses that I planned to purchase as a gift. I picked up one and a salesman came to visit with me regarding the glasses. Each glass is a different color, he told me, to represent the different colors they work with on Murano. Having different colors also differentiates between guests. I turned the glass over and saw a price of E 1530.00! I asked if that was the price for the set or each glass (the set) and carefully replaced it on the shelf. Becky found a bell she like, for E 120.00. She decided not to purchase it. I was almost afraid to walk through the shop and was glad to get out of there. On the way out I saw a vending machine with water for only E .50 and purchase some. Then I let every one know that I had made the best deal on water thus far and we had a good laugh.
The next island is Burano, known for it’s lace and colorful buildings. We went into the lace museum (really just a store) and looked at the lace. This was the beginning of the day’s shopping frenzy. Becky purchased a new table cloth and runner for the china hutch. Everyone (except I) purchased something. I wanted to take photos of the buildings and after the purchases only had a few minutes to quickly take some photos. The church on the island has a tower that leans because the ground is sinking. This I found to be somewhat common in Venice.
Next we went to Torcello. This is the first island settled by the Venetians and was later mostly abandoned, because of the mosquitoes and malaria, for the current location of Venice. There is a magnificent church on the island and not much else. We returned to Venice and our hotel. We asked for a recommendation for lunch and ate at the Crazy Bar. One of the interesting things about Venice is the little sandwich shops. They display their sandwiches in glass cases and you point out the one you want. It is then given to you or heated and given to you. You eat it at the counter or sit at a table. Some places charge extra to sit at a table. This little shop had sandwiches and rolled pizzas displayed. I asked for a rolled pizza while everyone else ordered a pizza from the menu. When asked about the size of the pizza, the waitress indicated that they were about 6 or 7 inches, so everyone ordered their own. They were about E 6 each so we all expected something just right for lunch. Judy and Susan were the only ones to share a pizza and I had my rolled pizza. When the pizzas came out they were more like the size of a frozen pizza, about 10”. Just right for 2 people and reasonably priced. They were delicious.
After lunch we started toward St. Mark’s Square and were waylaid by the shops along the way. The ladies went into many of the shops and bought many items. By the time we reached the square the museums and cathedral were closing. We went back to the hotel and dropped off our purchases. We asked for another recommendation for dinner and were directed to Della Strega (The Witch) near the hospital—a place where the locals eat. We also asked for directions to a grocery store and it was along the way. After wandering around, and getting turned around, we found the store just before it closed. There we found water for E .45-.49 per 1.5L bottles and lots of goodies. The store is about the size of 2 convenience stores put together, very narrow and long. I found my favorite German cookies and bought several bags. Mom found her chocolate bars. We had fun wandering the store for a few minutes. When we made our purchases we were asked if we wanted a plastic bag and were charged E .05 for the bag.
From there we sought out the restaurant and after wandering for about ½ hour we found it. Mom and Misty went back to the hotel to finish their pizza for dinner. Becky and I ordered the specials while Judy and Susan ordered lasagna to split. Our total bill was E 40 for this dinner, ½ the cost of the previous evening and tasted every bit as good, if not better, with more food. The special started with pasta (I had penne with spicy sauce, Becky had spaghetti with marinara), then came the second course (Becky had chicken and I had “Balls flavored Venice style—one was fish, one veggie, and one meat) and salad. After dinner we made our way back to the hotel. There we found that mom and Misty had gotten lost then found their way back to St. Mark’s Square and the hotel by asking for help every so often.
We arrived in Murano and were taken to a glass sculpting demonstration. They shaped what looked like a vase and then sculpted a horse for us. From the demonstration we were taken into the showroom (so we could purchase of course!). There were many beautiful items. I found some wine glasses that I planned to purchase as a gift. I picked up one and a salesman came to visit with me regarding the glasses. Each glass is a different color, he told me, to represent the different colors they work with on Murano. Having different colors also differentiates between guests. I turned the glass over and saw a price of E 1530.00! I asked if that was the price for the set or each glass (the set) and carefully replaced it on the shelf. Becky found a bell she like, for E 120.00. She decided not to purchase it. I was almost afraid to walk through the shop and was glad to get out of there. On the way out I saw a vending machine with water for only E .50 and purchase some. Then I let every one know that I had made the best deal on water thus far and we had a good laugh.
The next island is Burano, known for it’s lace and colorful buildings. We went into the lace museum (really just a store) and looked at the lace. This was the beginning of the day’s shopping frenzy. Becky purchased a new table cloth and runner for the china hutch. Everyone (except I) purchased something. I wanted to take photos of the buildings and after the purchases only had a few minutes to quickly take some photos. The church on the island has a tower that leans because the ground is sinking. This I found to be somewhat common in Venice.
Next we went to Torcello. This is the first island settled by the Venetians and was later mostly abandoned, because of the mosquitoes and malaria, for the current location of Venice. There is a magnificent church on the island and not much else. We returned to Venice and our hotel. We asked for a recommendation for lunch and ate at the Crazy Bar. One of the interesting things about Venice is the little sandwich shops. They display their sandwiches in glass cases and you point out the one you want. It is then given to you or heated and given to you. You eat it at the counter or sit at a table. Some places charge extra to sit at a table. This little shop had sandwiches and rolled pizzas displayed. I asked for a rolled pizza while everyone else ordered a pizza from the menu. When asked about the size of the pizza, the waitress indicated that they were about 6 or 7 inches, so everyone ordered their own. They were about E 6 each so we all expected something just right for lunch. Judy and Susan were the only ones to share a pizza and I had my rolled pizza. When the pizzas came out they were more like the size of a frozen pizza, about 10”. Just right for 2 people and reasonably priced. They were delicious.
After lunch we started toward St. Mark’s Square and were waylaid by the shops along the way. The ladies went into many of the shops and bought many items. By the time we reached the square the museums and cathedral were closing. We went back to the hotel and dropped off our purchases. We asked for another recommendation for dinner and were directed to Della Strega (The Witch) near the hospital—a place where the locals eat. We also asked for directions to a grocery store and it was along the way. After wandering around, and getting turned around, we found the store just before it closed. There we found water for E .45-.49 per 1.5L bottles and lots of goodies. The store is about the size of 2 convenience stores put together, very narrow and long. I found my favorite German cookies and bought several bags. Mom found her chocolate bars. We had fun wandering the store for a few minutes. When we made our purchases we were asked if we wanted a plastic bag and were charged E .05 for the bag.
From there we sought out the restaurant and after wandering for about ½ hour we found it. Mom and Misty went back to the hotel to finish their pizza for dinner. Becky and I ordered the specials while Judy and Susan ordered lasagna to split. Our total bill was E 40 for this dinner, ½ the cost of the previous evening and tasted every bit as good, if not better, with more food. The special started with pasta (I had penne with spicy sauce, Becky had spaghetti with marinara), then came the second course (Becky had chicken and I had “Balls flavored Venice style—one was fish, one veggie, and one meat) and salad. After dinner we made our way back to the hotel. There we found that mom and Misty had gotten lost then found their way back to St. Mark’s Square and the hotel by asking for help every so often.
Day 1
After a grueling day (nearly 19 hours) of planes and airports we arrived in Venice, Italy. We were met by Alessandro at the airport and taken to our water taxi. We dragged our luggage at least ¼ mile from the airport to the taxi. After boarding the taxi we learned that we were allowed 1 bag “free” and would be charged E 9.50 for each additional bag. This was quite a surprise as our transfers were all prepaid through the travel agency. We were also informed that we will be charged an additional E 5 for each additional bag at each transfer. That translates into E 136.50 ($197.00) just to transport luggage!
We were exhausted after all that travel. We checked into the Hotel Bizanzio. It is a lovely Hotel and we had beautiful rooms. Becky and I were on the 2nd floor and we could see the dome of a church across the rooftops in the distance. Mom, Misty, Judy and Susan had rooms on the first floor with windows that opened into a courtyard. After relaxinf for a short time we asked for a recommendation for a restaurant. The desk clerk (Gabriel) recommended Trattoria D’Giardenetto. When we found it, we couldn’t tell if it was open and started to enter. A man came up to us, asked if we had reservations, then told us it didn’t matter and informed us that they would open at 7pm and to come back 10 minutes before 7 (it was 6:30). We went down a few doors and looked at some of the shops. We found a bakery and several of us bought some baked goods. I purchased 2 canolli thinking they had a crème filling. Susan purchased a 1.5L bottle of water for E 1.90 and thought she had a great deal as everywhere we saw water it was about E 3 for a smaller bottle of water. Mom purchased some little tarts.
We returned to the restaurant for dinner. This restaurant was interesting as it had an indoor garden of a grape vine growing over the ceiling, dropping leaves while we ate. The food was expensive to us, but relatively inexpensive for Venice—E 9. for a plate of pasta with a mandatory E 2. cover charge and 12% gratuity. We enjoyed the ambience and the food but could not get the waiter to bring our check. 20-30 minutes after finishing and having our plates cleared we finally were able to get his attention and asked for the check. 15 minutes later another waiter asked if we would like our check and we replied in the affirmative. It took an additional 10 minutes before it came. The bill was the equivalent of $140 for dinner. Welcome to Venice! As I said previously, it was delicious.
We went back to the hotel and crashed. When we returned to our room after dinner, Becky and I tried the canolli. They were about 2 bites each and were filled with chocolate and white chocolate and were incredible.
We were exhausted after all that travel. We checked into the Hotel Bizanzio. It is a lovely Hotel and we had beautiful rooms. Becky and I were on the 2nd floor and we could see the dome of a church across the rooftops in the distance. Mom, Misty, Judy and Susan had rooms on the first floor with windows that opened into a courtyard. After relaxinf for a short time we asked for a recommendation for a restaurant. The desk clerk (Gabriel) recommended Trattoria D’Giardenetto. When we found it, we couldn’t tell if it was open and started to enter. A man came up to us, asked if we had reservations, then told us it didn’t matter and informed us that they would open at 7pm and to come back 10 minutes before 7 (it was 6:30). We went down a few doors and looked at some of the shops. We found a bakery and several of us bought some baked goods. I purchased 2 canolli thinking they had a crème filling. Susan purchased a 1.5L bottle of water for E 1.90 and thought she had a great deal as everywhere we saw water it was about E 3 for a smaller bottle of water. Mom purchased some little tarts.
We returned to the restaurant for dinner. This restaurant was interesting as it had an indoor garden of a grape vine growing over the ceiling, dropping leaves while we ate. The food was expensive to us, but relatively inexpensive for Venice—E 9. for a plate of pasta with a mandatory E 2. cover charge and 12% gratuity. We enjoyed the ambience and the food but could not get the waiter to bring our check. 20-30 minutes after finishing and having our plates cleared we finally were able to get his attention and asked for the check. 15 minutes later another waiter asked if we would like our check and we replied in the affirmative. It took an additional 10 minutes before it came. The bill was the equivalent of $140 for dinner. Welcome to Venice! As I said previously, it was delicious.
We went back to the hotel and crashed. When we returned to our room after dinner, Becky and I tried the canolli. They were about 2 bites each and were filled with chocolate and white chocolate and were incredible.
The best plans
So, I had the best plans to publish daily posts but it just didn't happen. We were so tired each night, plus I didn't have the internet access I thought I'd have until we got on the ship. I update as much as possible.
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