Living like a Doge.

 Today was much the same as yesterday. We got up, went to breakfast, were the only native English speakers there. The power went out during breakfast. We were glad to know that we weren’t the only ones causing power outages. We went to Lido and spent 4 hours at the beach. It took us for stinking ever to get there. We swore we were on the slow boat to hell. At 9:45, it was already hotter than Hades, and we were sweating our darn heads off. But, we got to the beach, got our “beds” (read lounge chairs for a million dollars a piece) and got in the water and cooled off.

The beach was much the same as yesterday and the day before. Hot sand, bare bubbies, few English speakers, crummy lunch, and piercing sun. Sounds stinky, but was totally fabulous. We caught the 2:00 boat back to Venice and took the long way home so we could hit our fave pizza spot. Now, previously we’ve had help heading that direction; a book, a map, something. Today, not so much. And we couldn’t remember which way to go. No surprise that Chris, Mr. Directionally challenged, couldn’t remember! I thought I did, and then I second guessed myself, and that got us in trouble.

 Finally, after going across the same square like 5 times, Chris suggested we hit a hotel and ask for directions. Why didn’t I think of that? We did, and not only did we get directions, but also a map. We still had to walk across that same darn square two or three more times to figure out where the heck we were and which street to take, but finally we did. That’s part of the beauty of Venice, getting lost and seeing everything around you 14 times. There’s no reason to get worked up about it, that’s just how it is in Venice.

We got the pizza, and on the way back to the hotel, found a lady with paintings she’d made of sights in Venice. We always buy something handmade in the places we travel, and two of her paintings hit us, so we bought them. Can’t wait to hang them up. Although, we still haven’t hung up the ones we got in Scandinavia in the spring of ’07! We hit up the best gelato stand in Venice (Boutique de Gelato, or something like that on Salizada de Lio and came back to the hotel to shower and change.

The trip back took much longer than we expected, and it bit us when we got to Ca’ Rezzonico, our first sight for the day. It closed an hour earlier than Ricky said it did, and we couldn’t get in. No worry, it’s included in the  Museum passes we bought at the Correr museum yesterday and they don’t expire for 3 months. So, we skipped ahead to our next intended stop, the Doge’s Palace. We didn’t do this museum last time we were here because, well, it’s a museum, and we’re leery of them. Boy, are we glad we went!

We entered, and went directly into the huge courtyard. It was about 5:00, and the light was just perfect. It was absolutely gorgeous! Took our breath away! We had no idea just how stunning this place would be and were instantly glad we’d come. We followed the marked route through the palace, all the while reading Ricky’s narrative. As I mentioned yesterday, it’s nice to have a story behind what you’re seeing, but we’ve quickly grown tired of Rick’s wheel of cheese inserted with the story, and his occasional veiled political comment. Shut up and tell me what I’m seeing. We saw where the Doge (appointed ruler of Venice) lived, legislated, and doled out justice, along with the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge takes you over the canal into the prison, where we could see carvings in the window ledges of the cells that were hundreds of years old. Blows your mind! I must admit, they had no photography signs all over the place, but I still had to snap a few pics. I just couldn’t keep going without. They can’t keep a Jamie down forever. I had to rebel. And, thankfully, I didn’t get caught!

Tonight, we decided we needed another splurge, as if last night at the cafes on St. Mark’s weren’t enough. So, after coming back to the hotel & getting ready for dinner, we went on a gondola ride. I won’t disclose how much it cost, but it was worth it. It was amazing. Yes, it still could have been better, but it was just what I wanted, a nice, relaxing ride through the real Venice (not just the Grand Canal) with the one I love.

The gondolier was nice, but talked to the other gondoliers more than us. He said this is 20^th year as a gondolier and he owns his gondola. When I asked him if he lives in Venice, he laughed and said no, it’s too expensive, he lives outside of Venice. He also told us that he knew when he was 8 yrs old he would be a gondolier. His father was one as was his grandfather, it’s a family tradition. Very cool. Chris said he was hoping the guy would talk to us more, and I understand why, but we were still thrilled with the experience!

After the ride, we were starving, so it was off to dinner. We decided to go back to the same place as the first night. It was amazing then and even better tonight. The guy was working by himself and doing a decent job of keeping up with everyone. We had an appetizer of different Salamis & cheese. Oh my yum! Chris had spaghetti with swordfish, and I had some sort of purse-like pasta filled with smoked cheese and walnuts. Again, yum! There was a local couple sitting next to us, and they brought their dog in. Dogs are just part of the family here, and often go without leashes. Made me realize how much work we need to do with our own dogs.

All was well until the guy brought the check and told Chris he doesn’t take cards. Then it was panic time. For some reason, Chris decided to leave the bank card in the hotel room and ONLY bring his credit card. We were tapped out from the gondola ride, so he left me there to get money. When the ATM wouldn’t give him money off of his credit card, he ran all the way back to the hotel and got his card, rand back and got the money and returned to the restaurant. The guy working felt so bad for me sitting there along that he brought us limoncellos (an alcohol based lemon drink that will quite literally tickle your nose hairs). Finally, Chris came back and we could pay the man (including a hefty tip, he totally earned it) and head back to our hotel, but not without a detour for Gelato.