Post #18: Sail away from Venice

Pictures:
Room service
Walking from ship
On Vaporetto going to Venice
Approaching the St. Marks Square Vaportto stop
More shopping

Where we entered for tour
Our tour guide
Things we saw on tour (could not take pictures inside)
Lynn playing with the pigeons
The crowd along the walkway as we headed back to the Vaporetto stop

Sailing away; approaching St. Marks Square and just past it
At dinner and the sunset

Woke up in the middle of the night
Laid awake a long time
We both did, but at different times
Fell back to sleep, woke up at 7:30…phew!
Room service ordered between 8:00 & 8:30 (arrived 8:10)
Meeting Rich and Lynn to go ‘ashore’ at 9:00
Pretty good room service breakfast,
Overlooking construction site not the most romantic
The four of us left the ship for our long walk ‘to town’
Could have spent money on the ship’s shuttle
but we already had our Vaporetto passes
What we saved bought wine at dinner (like that mattered)
Had a LONG walk (30 minutes of Coach Carolyn walking!)
Caught a bus (much cooler…a WATER bus)
Arrived in San Marco square with an hour to spare…
An hour before our Doges’ Palace Secret Itinerary tour.
By-passed the long general admission line to get our tix
Purchased on line tix…VIP treatment…you’re in a line, and I’m not!
Strolled around and did shopping (my how our group can shop!!!)
Got some cool things though (Merry Xmas girls! I know what you’re getting!!!)
Lynn fed the pigeons and we got MANY pictures of that…what a sport!!!
Used the WC toilette…free with our Vaporetto Blue ticket
Went back for our tour…AWESOME. Basically a history of Venetian aristocracy
through the residence and offices of the ruling class.
Very organized society back then…cut throat yes, but organized.
Tour of the prison, with Casanova one the most well known ‘residents’.
Got to go through the Bridge of Sighs…sweet!
(Look it up on the internet, I’m paying for this time!!!)
Shopped briefly, JB got her plate, had a gelato (well R/L did),
Caught the Vaporetto back (I think our 7 day pass was worth it!!!)
Repeated the 30 minute Coach C speed walk from V stop to ship
Had to go thru 3 security checks before getting back on ship.
Were in time for the ever fun life preserver drill…then Sail Away
Now THAT was cool.
Many pictures and video footage!
Looking down at San Marco square and Bridge of Sighs…
Evokes sighs…
Venice and surrounding islands are beyond words.
To a person we would all come back…but for MUCH longer.
Great people, great food, great feeling…just GREAT.
After happy hour went back up to spa
Then to the On Line room to sign up for internet
It is VERY slow at peak usage times (before dinner, right after, etc.)
Set up account, and will try logging on later
Watched amazing sun set before getting dressed.
Bumped into Marcia and Gerry (again!) and had a drink with them
Great big band music!
Wore new ‘grand-kids tie’…BIG HIT!
Originally were assigned a table for four…we like each other
but not THAT much (I mean really, 14 straights days…and nights?)
We got reassigned to a table of 10…FUN PEOPLE.
Wildwood, Brisbane, Danville, Sarasota (Fl) and Rhode Island…
This should be a fun cruise…and our waiter seems fun as well.
Oh, and the food was pretty good. Most had salmon
Those with veal chop said it was tough…oh well.
At midnight went to one of the WiFi hotspot.
We are too far away to access in cabin (major bummer)
No problem getting connected
And no problem updating blog. Pix a little slow, but not too bad.
Now back in cabin typing this…JB turned out light…
Must be bed time.
Good night!

Post #17: Boarding day

After our first dinner on Millennium

The pictures are in reverse order, but with expensive and (slow internet) I'm not going to worry about it.

Self portrai

The indoor spa area (no kids!) Not that we don't love kids (of course) ;-)

Our deck...oops, I mean balcony

And to be consistent, our room...oops, I mean 'cabin'.

Making out the baggage tags on the dock.

On the ship at last!

The water taxi dropping us off at the dock (Millennium in the back left)


Actually slept until 6:25am…could have gone longer…but that was enough
Sorted pictures and wrote blog while JB slept…
She had been up reading in the middle of the night...bummer for her
Finally couldn’t wait any longer and got up and made coffee,
Logged into the internet to read about the Cal game.
Thanks Susie for the emails…45-27 and a mad coach…great combination
Ordered water taxi to pick up us and then to Antiche Figure
Picked up Rich, Lynn, Gerry and Marcia
It was great standing in back of taxi going down Canal Gran
Driver got upset because we had so much luggage…
No big deal, we just paid him more money (I think he is a good actor)
Arrived at that dock in front of the ship and filled out baggage tags
Had to go to an ‘out building’ to check in.
After some confusion and question-asking found the right place.
Got checked in, went through security, got on a bus
The bus went around the corner and dropped us off…funny.
Had to fill out a form saying we had not been sick…
Hand wipe dispenser right as we got off bus.
NOROVIRIUS…Stay Away!!!
Boarded and got ‘small’ glass of champagne…thank you Celebrity
Had to wait approx. one hour before cabins ready
Hung out at pool area, took pictures, then had lunch
We must have had 6 guys come by to see if we needed wine.
I asked if they were on commission…no, just wanted to give good service!
I guess they don’t assign stations…oh well, just say no, and no, and no….
Announced cabins ready…off we went.
Just as the Dr. ordered…then had to wait for luggage…not too long.
Unpacked while drinking bottle of champagne, took nap, and went to spa
Steve did, Janna stayed in room…oops, CABIN.
Great salt water heated pool with built-in Jacuzzi jet therapy benches…
Plus two hot salt water ‘hot tubs’…all in a large atrium-type glass room
Worked on getting flexibility back in neck
It is feeling great (neck), but range of motion is quite reduced…just for now!
Showered with fresh water then took a sauna…NOW maybe I can relax
Oh, so you don’t think so either? Not in my vocabulary!!!
Talked with R/L several times
They have already walked the entire ship, floor to floor
And have gone ‘on line’ (on the TV) to check out the wine list
At least 4 ships sailed by us heading to sea…very impressive
Our turn tomorrow…sad (to leave Venice) but fun to get to see other great places.
Our deck over-looks Venice, fun to watch all the vaporettos, water taxis,
and changes in light/colors as the sun is setting.
Major construction project on our side of ship…lots of extra things to look at
We are also over the baggage loading/unloading area so VERY noisy…oh well.
We had ‘do not disturb’ sign out so had to go ask for canapés (a concierge cabin treat)
Binocular case (a bonus of our cabin type) empty, had to ask for a ‘refill’.
Empty used wine glass ‘hidden’ behind the fresh flowers…how was THAT missed.
I do hear the loud squeal outside our room. Forgot others complained about that.
Hopefully will get used to it (it must from the spa equip. just right above us)
The window washer platform is also in front of cabin next to ours.
About 15 feet away, but only visible from our deck, not from cabin.
Minor blemishes on carpet, and slightly corroded lamp stand…very small
Small signs of age. Generally the initial thought is that the ship looks GREAT.
After happy hour walked around for while
Met Rich and Lynn for dinner at 8:30
Just the four of us for dinner…3 prime rib and one fish (Lynn)
Walked around a little then back to cabin and bed.

Approacing the Millennium

Rich and Marcia enjoying the water taxi ride.

Standing up in the back of the water taxi (a 'speed boat' like the one in the left of this picture) on the way to pick up Rich, Lynn, Gerry and Marcia.

We are still having a great time, with NO SIGNS of a let-down!!!!

Post #16: Murano, Burano and Torcello

These pictures are out of order, but you can at least get the idea of our day. There were beautiful buildings and canals in both Murano and Burano, with many photo opportunities. Murano is known for glass making and Burano for its lace. And as you can see from the one photo below, we did a LOT of window shopping (and bought a few thingss as well). The grounds at the Locanda Cipriani on Torcello were beautiful, and our table placement under the grape arbor was perfect. What a great day!

Example of a typical lace display at a store;

Window shopping...ALL day
A typical lovely building
The grape arbor at Lacanda Cipriani

Locanda Cipriani from the little bridge as we approached.
Looks like a ride in Disneyland...this would be, uh, guessing here, Burano
Burano again
Murano
Murano glass

An attempt at artistry...its just a boat...but when in Murano it is a special boat.
Murano
Sticker shock looking at the prices at lunch
Aren't we cute! Hi kids, we miss you!!!

And now the narrative....

Can’t sleep, up early (4:30)
Backed up pictures (twice)
Had coffee…brought own, Peet’s French Roast
Took more pictures from balcony as sun was rising
Produce and fish market across the canal coming alive
Lots of ‘utility’ boats on canal vs taxis/gondolas
~7:00am Out exploring, 1st Vaporetto ride, validate ticket, tickets never checked
Had to come back and have Divna explain the process
Guy with briefcase hurrying and missed boat…just like BART
Rialto Bridge, not open, just a thoroughfare with locals going to work
Tourists with luggage…off to airport?
People taking pictures, great morning light
ATM rejection…concern of the 24 hr deal?
Restaurants setting up for the day
Back to room to shower
Great breakfast…pastries, fruit, eggs, mushrooms, bacon, juices, coffee, yummy
Meeting Rich and Lynn to head to Torcello for lunch at Locanda Cipriani…1:00pm
Going through Murano and then Burano to shop
Cool and breezy as we walked to the stop
Toward the lagoon away from the crowds and through apartment buildings
Surprised at how many people live here.
Construction going on in several places. Canal repair and new posts for piers.
Dogs, no cats?
Were to meet at 10:15 but ended up running late (no big deal)
41 vs 42, coming, going, signs confusing, not that intuitive
Used toilet of a restaurant by the stop
Crowded, had to stand, starting to feel hot
Kids screaming, people squirming, long ride
Murano, looking for glass
Nice picture taking on canal
To get to Burano have to walk down the canal to other side
Lots of showrooms, shops and restaurants. Pleasant.
Saw a cat…phew.
One place had a couple of guys doing exhibitions working with glass
Sort of cheesy stuff in that store
Got Vaporetto to Burano
Got off and got right on the one to Torcello
1st observation is that there is land…open space, not many buildings,
Map at dock showed the ‘highlights’ (we go to #4)
Walked up a canal with only weeds and plants
Saw pheasant on one side, and geese on the other
Locanda Cipriani is a wonderful place. Rural setting. Low profile.
Never noticed where the Inn part was.
Checked in, were guided thru several seating areas to our table.
Perfect setting in arbor, surrounded by flowers.
Cat with mouse
Large party inside (wedding?)
Menu pricey, but the setting made up for it
Food was great…veal Scallopini
Wine and dessert
I was exhausted, couldn’t stop yawning
9E automatic service charge (tourists?)
Barely caught vaporetto…every 30 min.
Back to Burano for shopping and browsing
Known for lace, so shops had glass and lace…nice
Back to Murano…took nap on vaporetto…got my battery charged
Lots more shopping, and did some buying, relaxing
Back to Venice
Rich and Lynn stayed on the 42, we got off and walked back to hotel
Lots of kids playing in a little square…where else?
Do Venetian teenagers ever get to drive cars? Drivers tests in boats?
Had a drink and worked on blog and pictures…Janna read.
Lynn called, we decided to just do our own things for dinner.
Walked back to Pizza place (Tortuga) near where the kids were playing.
Very local. Less for pizza, salad, 1L wine than for one entree at lunch
ATM worked fine. 200E for $270.50 (checked account on-line)
Janna bath, Steve onto Balcony (1/2 moon rising)
Bed

Post # 15: The rest of day One in Venice

Just another bridge....
The Rialto fish market at night from our balcony.
A vaporetto.
A vaporetto pulling into the Ca de Oro stop (as seen from our balcony).
Stolling down a typical Venice 'street'...people and shops.

View to the right down the Grand Canal from our balcony (at night...duh)

Our waiter at dinner the first night.
Our first Tiramisu in Venice...for four please!
Where we ate dinner.
Pigeons in San Marco square
One side of San Marco square

A typical narrow canal.
A typical wider canal.
The Basilica de San Marco
A busy gondola station allow the lagoon adjacent to San Marco square.
Gondolas in front of our hotel (water taxi and fish market in the back ground)

OK, so I'm trying something different this time....faster (pictures at top and out of order).

After we got checked into our room...

Called Rich and Lynn, they are sitting at San Marco square listening to the music
Will meet them for dinner later
Confirmed lunch on Torcello tomorrow…Locanda Cipriani
New international phone already paying off.
EXHAUSTED…tried napping…too tired to sleep
Finally decided it was time to venture out.
Went for walk (to San Marco square).
There are squares everywhere…like parks.
Were lost most of the time…ended up on the wrong side of lagoon…so what
Whole thing is even better than imagined…what a feeling…
Sensory overload…soak it all in
Follow the signs…sure…dead end alleys, little bridges
…one big FUN maze (we got better at reading signs and didn't get lost...too much)
Narrow alleys, small canals, dogs, kids in squares…
BUSY…walking in circles…sore feet
Pick pockets? Thought about it often.
Lots of tourists, locals and…some seedy lookers
Slash proof fanny pack and security belt/wallet under clothes
…trying to be safe.
Found San Marco square…stood and stared…star struck
People and pigeons with live orchestra-type music
Vaporetto pass good for public restroom…found one…relief
Started back to hotel…mostly lost, didn’t matter
Pretty funny, used map, no help (a compass would have though)
Great little stores/shops lined the alleys…Pucci next to Gucci
Glass works (all kinds), masks, seeds, flags, shirts, trinkets) gelato…everything
Follow signs to Rialto bridge…
Hansel and Gretel (pigeons ate our bread crumbs)
Sore feet and knees…did I say that?
Got back and had a drink…stood on our balconies…SWEET!!!
Called Rich and Lynn…they vaporetto’d to us
They are at hotel Antiche Figure
Showed them our room…awe…theirs is very small, with no view
So what, they are in Venice…like being on a ship
…even inside cabins are great!
Headed out to find dinner…like Downtown Disney…8:30ish
Tried ATM…had concern in advance…no problem…free money, love it.
Restaurant 200 yards away, stopped, read menu, looked OK
2 minutes…or not…free glass of ‘bubbly’ while we waited (nice touch)
Menu in 4 languages…very ‘homey’
Fun staff…closed the place down
Took pictures…waiter wants copy of his
Came back and took more pictures of canal from balcony
crashed…11:00ish
Awake before 4:00am, now 4:30 (PC says 7:30pm)
Sitting in entry way, trying to be quiet…
Janna reading…light on, light off, sleep?, no sleep…bummer
BUT…it doesn’t matter…we’re in VENICE
At first light I’m going hunting…cameras in hand
…hunting for THE picture.
Took 104 pictures yesterday…before landing in Venice
359 after that…airport, taxi, room, balcony view, canals,
alleys, San Marco, people, pigeons, gondolas, dogs, shops, dinner, moon,
canal, vaporetto…why not? They’re free…for the taking (so to speak).

My favorite picture of the day. 1/4 moon rising over buildings across the Grand Canal from us. Water taxis, Vaporetto bus and parked Gondolas. At the lower right is where they have the produce and fish market in the mornings...amazing!

Issues with Posting

I have had some difficulty (operator error I think) in trying to synch up a lot of text and a lot of pictures, so it has taken longer than planned. I am already a day late even though I had everything ready. I'm sure I will get better at this.

So let me jump ahead and at least say that we did meet up with Rich and Lynn for dinner and we are all having a GREAT time. It is now 6:00pm Sat. evening. The bells of all the churches are ringing, the canals and walkways are bustling with activities, and it is simply marvelous. We all can see why people love Venice!!! We have four days here and it is not going to be enough!