Sunday September 18, 2023
Still adjusting to the time change, we slept in and enjoyed breakfast overlooking the lagoon. Cipriani serves breakfast on the terrace until 10:30 and room service all day. Wonderful a la carte selections and an extensive buffet. The sun was in and out as we ate, but thankfully no morning fog.
Here is Andrea, who told me he loves greeting his guests and that what he does – doesn’t feel like a job. He has a beautiful three year old daughter and all his family live on the main island or Lido.
After lingering over cappuccino, I parked Timmy on the patio adjacent to the pool and set off for a walk around the Island. Here’s a photo of a Vaporetto, they are public water busses, operating on a twenty four hour schedule.
This is a floating vaporetto “station”, the vaporetti pull up and departing passengers use one ramp, embarking folks, the other. On our first visit to Venice, we purchased our tickets and “boarded” the station thinking it was the water bus. Imagine our surprise when the real vaporetto pulled up along side and folks began to debark. In our defense, it kind of looks like a boat…and it appears to be floating on the water. Whatever.
I began my walk just like yesterday’s- along the dock…but today I ventured down the side streets and alleyways. As I walked along, the sun appeared and the temperature warmed to the mid seventies. The highlight of my walk was observing the families out and about enjoying their Sunday morning. It really is a gift staying on this peaceful, quiet residential island. It’s just a five minute boat ride from the chaotic din of St Marks square and so wonderful to be among the residents.
Folks were out fishing.
I tried to ask this fellow what he was fishing for, but he had no clue what I was saying. I think he thought I asked if he caught anything because he pointed to his empty bucket and shook his head.
Young families out riding in their boats.
As I walked up and down the streets, I was struck by two things: the quiet and the fact that folks have boats tied up outside of their apartment buildings instead of cars.
These were a group of American tourists outside the Hilton getting ready to go on a tour.
Walking along the side canals, I found an array of cool boats.
This little guy rode his scooter up and down the street, accompanied by his adorable pup.
Two enterprising boys set up a small vegetable stand outside one of the three churches that I came upon.
The two tiny pups were terrorizing the little guy on the right.
I am freaking in love with this couple ♥️ #goals
The only real graffiti that I saw… the Caltagirone Mafia are a real thing…we looked it up.
As boats pass by, sea water laps onto the dock.
Returning to our room, I snapped a few photos. I love this room because I feel like I’m on a ship when I look out the window and see boats going past.
Please note this wall to the right of the desk…. because there’s a story…
When we arrived, I couldn’t find the safe…we looked in both clothes closets (yes! two closets ♥️) …we opened all the dresser drawers…no safe. Finally I call Reception and the charming young person says “it’s in the closet – would you like me to send the maid?” I say..”oh no, not necessary, we’ll find it” …so we spend another 3 minutes opening every door and drawer …no safe! Really? I say “Timmy, you call Reception” he does and is told “it’s in the first closet, by the door when you first walk in…don’t worry we’ll send the maid”. Well she comes and walks over to wall adjacent to the desk and…you guessed it…a closet. A well hidden closet. With. a. safe. Now I ask you…does this closet look like it’s “the first closet, by the door” ? Whatever.
Feeling lazy, and knowing that we’ll be back here at the hotel for a few days after our cruise…we cancelled our plans to visit a winery on a nearby island and relaxed until late afternoon when we headed over to the hubbub that is the main island.
The water pistol is on hand to keep the occasional pigeon at bay. I’ll finish up with two photos from our visit to Venice proper. Two photos of the 7968 that I took.
This photo when we arrived around 5 pm and the other from our boat ride back to the hotel. We enjoyed our stroll around St. Marks and the Rialto and really, really l o v e d our dinner at Pietra Rossa. Thanks for following along. Tomorrow we board Symphony and I am looking forward to seeing the changes made since our September 2021 voyage.
