Friday, June 4, 2010

2 June 2010 Venice

2 June, Wednesday




I woke up to a beautiful day. I’m so glad for the sunny weather and not too hot days. After breakfast, I wanted to see fishing boats. A group of policemen were near the boats, I guess to keep things from heating up. Some of the boats honked their horns over night, but fortunately, it wasn’t loud for me.

Out for the day to just wander around and take lots of pictures, I headed the train station area. I went to a souvenir shop and chatted with the owner. Back in 2006 I had purchased a beaded necklace for my grandmother. At the time, she was 98 years old. The owner was thrilled that I was buying something for my grandmother. I took their photo outside their store. Today I gave them a copy (5x7) of the photo. He was very appreciative and gave me a key chain as a gift – a typical tacky souvenir chain, but I love it. His wife was home, so didn’t’ get the chance to say hello to her. We talked for a bit and even got on the subject of the oil spill. He was very sad for the local fishermen.



I walked to the train station and bought my tickets for a day trip to Ferrara for the next day. I have to get up early to catch the 8:27a.m. train. People were coming and going with their suitcases, some with huge suitcases! With all the bridges in Venice, it’s best to pack light.

I took this photo, which is a favorite spot in Venice. Took it back in 2006. This time there are not flowers in bloom.




Near the Rialto area, I had lunch ai Tre Spiedi. Lunch but very good but rich: Spinach stuffed tortellini with a cheese sauce and fresh spinach. I told the waiter I would return another night for dinner. Three handsome gondolier’s sat near me. I should have taken their picture.

For my last two nights in Venice, I booked a hotel in the Cannaregio area, so I walked by to make sure I could find it. It’s in a nice location, so I know I’ll enjoy it.

Since I was up so late last night (1:30am), I slowly headed back to the hotel to relax before dinner.

Barb arrived at my hotel at 6pm and we took the vaporetto to the San Toma stop. Dinner reservations were at 7:30pm so we found a place for drinks (Taverna da Baffo). It had been raining since about 4pm so we couldn't sit outside. With our drinks, the waiter gave us a mortadella and pepper on bread cicchetti. I ordered a ¼ liter of white wine and the waiter gave me extra, “Because I like you.”

We had dinner at Trattoria San Toma. The owner, Antiono, greeted us. I made reservations before I left for Venice. Dinner was very good but a little pricey. We both ordered the bruschetta for our appetizer.




I had the lamb chops, Barb had the sea bass, which the waiter prepared table-side,

and we shared a side dish of grilled vegetables. The restaurant was not crowded, but it was a holiday.
For dessert, we both had a glass of sgroppino, a delicious and refreshing drink made with sorbet, limoncello, and prosecco. Here's a recipe I found.
http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink1c5d696.html

After dinner we went to Barb's apartment for some limoncello and a nice evening together talking about traveling, family, and other things. I was back in my room shortly after 11pm.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Sounds like you are having a great time...........chaio!!!