October 7,2023

We were talking to friends last week who’d spent two days in Venice last summer…they do not share our enthusiasm for this beautiful city. I think the issue might be that they had just two days, and one day was spent visiting Murano and Burano…leaving only one day for Venice proper. I am sad that our friends did not get to experience Venice the way we have. Anyway, I’m here to say that we are absolutely, completely and totally enamored with Venezia. There really is no other place like it on earth.
We slept late and were grateful that breakfast is served late at Cipriani. We enjoyed pastries, eggs and really delicious cappuccino.

The sun was well up when we stepped out on our terrace.
Love, love the cappuccino.
Falconer and Hawk on duty.
After breakfast we walked the grounds…here’s a potted lemon.
Cip’s Club staff starting to set up for lunch. Such a lovely venue…completely different (and way more romantic) at night.
Folks claiming their lounge chairs at the pool… it really is an enormous pool.
This is the dock that visitors from other islands use when they dine at Cip’s.

I took another long walk around Guidecca Island, enjoying the beautiful weather. One of the joys of travel is exploring local neighborhoods. I especially appreciate having the opportunity to spend multiple days in a locale…and walking the same streets over subsequent days. I find that with each walk, I notice new and different things. This day found me admiring and photographing ordinary and every day scenes.

Folks waiting their turn at the butcher shop.
So these platforms were not here three weeks ago…they are stacked up in anticipation of the rising seas. The sea usually overtakes the streets in Venice for a few days (or weeks) in late October to January. This is known as Acqua Alta and folks make their way around the streets on these platforms. Thankfully, we’ve never been here during these Acqua Alta events.
Folks dragging their suitcases over a bridge. Doesn’t look like fun…going down is so much easier than going up…imagine doing this over multiple bridges…so glad that our hotel provides boat service from the transportation hubs to their dock.
Yay! Women gondoliers ♥️
#reflections
This is a modest stretch, made pretty by a few plants at a doorway ♥️
These plants made me smile … and want to meet the owner
Obviously well cared for.
Always look up…you just might see some colorful planters on a rooftop.
Venice building permit.
Nice piece of property…hope we can return and see the completed reno.
Playground adjacent to an apartment building.
Nice gate…I took a peek through it…not a cop (nor a criminal) in sight.
Fishing…not catching…
I saw my reflection in this doorway so I snapped a selfie.
Back at the hotel, I walked the garden, totally loving the scents 💗
Back at our room…we’d requested some bubble wrap …here’s how it was delivered… #sofancy
After lunch, we decided to head over to the mainland. Cipriani has so many boats available that each family gets their own. #reallyfancy
Of course we did😍
The ride over is almost too quick.
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St Marks square…we saw multiple brides.
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We branched out from the St Marks neighborhood…walking in and out of cool little narrow streets.

Before we knew it the sun was setting.
I love waiting atop bridges for gondolas to come by.
After a few hours, we began to make our way to Pietra Rossa… for our dinner reservation.
Yep, another bride♥️
So many interesting shops.
…and adorable windows.
IYKYK
I had to snap a pic of this passage between these buildings. Struck me as strange.
This is the alleyway to Pietra Rossa.
Ring the bell when you arrive. Kinda like a speakeasy.
The bread basket.
Amuse bouche.
This pale ruby wine was a soft, smooth stunner.
Very yummy salad.
Pork belly and veg.
White fish bites.
Ravioli? Yes ravioli.
Tim’s pasta and pesto
These peaches were so sweet.
Mamma’s cookies♥️
Owner/chef Andrea Lorenzon was quite happy to see Timmy again.
The walk back to St Marks was delightful.
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This photo was taken on the boat ride back to the hotel. We may have stopped in at Bar Gabbiano for a nightcap…but since there’s no photo…probably didn’t happen.
All in all another wonderful day traveling and exploring with Timmy. Thanks for following along. ♥️