Venetian memories

Venice is truly amazing.  This is the most beautiful city I have ever visited.  Our first night, we ventured to San Marco Square and found live music at Lavento, a restaurant that has been there since 1750.  According to the restaurant's menu,  Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner spent lots of time there, having coffee, etc. The violinist, bass, piano and accordion were spectacular and they played classical music as well as an entire medley from "The Sound of Music".  Fred tried to sing along but was quickly asked to be silent so the audience could hear the actual musicians.  Also, our hotel, Hotel Londra Palace, is known to have been frequented by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, there is even a room here named after him.  We have seen gondola's, St. Mark's remains, beautiful Byzantine artwork and had LOTS of gelato, it has been an unforgettable day! - Amy

I didn't know what to expect in Venice.  I just thought it would be a bunch of houses with venetian blinds.  Imagine a city with no buses, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.  You accessed everything walking or by boat.  The gondolas were nice and the boat taxis were a fun ride.  I had to go back and watch The Italian Job movie which was filmed here (along with James Bond in Casino Royal and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).   As bad as the hotel was in Florence, this hotel was magnificent.  Perhaps the nicest place I have ever stayed.  Despite what Amy said, I did not try to sing, but I did play my teeth upon request. (but there were actually no requests).  Long day tomorrow.  We will be traveling about 18 hours.  The only way to the airport from here is by boat by the way.

This is our last blog.  Thanks for keeping up with our adventures.

fred