Friday: Today we arrived On Sunday they were going to show Casino Royale and we took the same route into the City. Me – I almost missed it – collapsed in the late morning – but woke up in time to see the city unfold in front of me. After docking we learned how to get into the city – a fair walk (20-30 minutes) from the ship – and a “bus ride” into the city. We bought some 24 hour passes to the Vaporetto (water bus) so that we could get on an off at our leisure – and we proceeded to cruise down the canal. We stood in the entrance deck of the vaporetto so that we could shoot pictures – the digital cameras makes for extensive picture taking – just shoot – if it’s bad, there’s still lots of memory left in the chip. Over the years I know I heard that everything in Venice moves by boat – but this was so cool. A moving van with a load of furniture, a tanker, fire boats and ambulances, and of course gondolas. My hand started to cramp as I shot picture after picture – maybe a video would be better but I know I’ll never watch it – but many of these pictures are bound for wallpaper or a trip gallery on the wall. I think Greg finally filled up his first card today. We headed for the Guggenheim Modern Art museum. On our walk to the museum, Chris found a street merchant selling these funny little squeeze toys – and he had to have one. Of course, as soon as we got to the museum the boys announced they were hungry –they tend to mention this to Melie. So, after getting tickets we headed for the museum café. I checked with the waiter and found out the museum was only open for another hour and a quarter – so I told the boys to hurry. We then went into the museum – it was Peggy Guggenheim’s villa. Wonderful early modern art – as you walk in the door there are several Picasso’s – and it goes on. A whole room of Jackson Pollack. I loved the Jean Miro’s. We spent about an hour – fortunately the museum was smaller than I had expected – so we were able to see almost everything.
But we needed to head back to the ship – our gondola ride awaited us. Back onto the vaporetto and another walk to the ship – then we went on a special vaporetto – I guess we’ll call this the gondola van - to meet the gondolas – and we were dropped off at just past Piazza San Marco – we’d need to cross the bridge of Sighs to get to St Marks. Chris wanted to buy a mask for the masquerade party on the ship – I managed to dissuade him for a while – “we’ll be back here to go back to the ship and you can buy it then.” So he reluctantly agreed and we’re off to the gondola. Into Piazza San Marco – the sun is just going down. But there’s enough light for pictures. They we doing some restoration and they drape the building – of course this is advertising space so there’s a huge photo of Roger Fedderer – and watches. We wound through the back alleys behind San Marco and eventually came to the gondolas. We got a great one – clean and ornate. The gondolier was a little quiet – he never said a word to us – but it was a nice long ride through the little canals – and a bit into the grand canal. The gondola with the accordian player and a singer was just behind us – so we were serenaded for our entire ride – for a good bit our gondolas were side by side – Volare, etc. Of course, you need to kiss under each bridge – and the boys didn’t want to kiss me so I had to settle for Melie – life’s tough. Greg wanted to hurry back to the ship (Loren awaits?) but by the time the ride ended, it was faster to take the gondola vaporetto back to the ship. However there was enough time for Chris to buy his mask. We finally got back to the ship about 11:30 – we collapsed but I know Greg had important things to do. I did remind him that we were going to Murano and Burano the next day – and he had to be ready to go by 7:30 (even though the trip wouldn’t start until 8:00 – but I wasn’t going to risk us being late – the boys almost missed the gondola ride).
Saturday: Very early – Chris was really dragging. Fortunately, I grabbed a few extra rolls at breakfast – I know I’ll need to feed these food machines soon. Chris had a few minutes to get something. We set off on another vaporetto for Burano – it’s another island and not part of Venice. It’s a fishing village that also specializes in lace. We went to a lace factory and had a few minutes to wander around the island – very small. But it’s really beautiful – and there was the Leaning Tower of Burano – not as elaborate as Pisa – but I missed that one. This was cool. Everyone paints their house a different color – that’s how they distinguish addresses. After a short time, back onto the vaporetto to Murano. Not nearly as pretty but we went into a glass factory. The boys seemed to really enjoy this – they gave a glass blowing demonstration – a vase and a horse. Then we went into their showroom – there was a really nice “wave” sculpture – only $7,500 – they’re happy to take dollars – no difficultly. I couldn’t afford the hand made lace in Burano and it looks like I’m not taking any art glass home from Murano – but I do have great memories. After a good morning, it back to the ship. They boys have things to do (on the ship) and this is a chance for Melie and me to go into Venice.
The tour guide said that the prices around the Rialto (bridge) were cheaper – so off we went. The Rialto area was really crowded – probably because the street was only about 20 feet wide with shops and stands everywhere. Melie didn’t realize that there were shops on the bridge itself – it was great fun. Melie and I had lunch at a little sidewalk café next to the Rialto bridge – it was worth it! A little wine, spaghetti, people watching, gondolas, and the Rialto bridge – eat your hearts out. More strolling and shopping and then back to the ship. More sight seeing on the ride back and then plenty of time to get back on the ship before it pulled out. A little relaxing on deck and watching Venice disappear behind us – what a wonderful experience. A beautiful and romantic city. Tonight is a masquerade ball on the ship – we get to wear the masks we bought in Venice. Collapse again – thank goodness tomorrow is a “relaxing day at sea.”

Sunday: Up late – quiet breakfast – some reading. And of course – a chance to catch up with this diary. Sitting on the balcony and watching the Adriatic go by. I spotted a sea turtle! Freighters, ferries, small liners – and an incredibly quiet sea – very calm. It’s nice and cool on the balcony, clean air – I could get used to this.