Venice

There are not enough words or pictures to describe how wonderful and beautiful Venice is for first time visitors.

It was raining the day we arrived and we were still awestricken.

We took a private water taxi to our hotel from the airport. Thank goodness we did as we would have never found it on our own. Our hotel lobby opens on a side canal and entering from land is like being in a maze with Italian directions.

Our first night in Venice we found a tiny Cicchetti bar and had wine and delightful little bites made by the bartender and his mother. We saw the Rialto Bridge, Piazza San Marcos, and the Grand Canal. Every turn on every little alley had a picturesque view. There are restaurants everywhere and we randomly walked by and chose one for dinner.  Each time the food was fabulous and inexpensive.

This is the view from our hotel room.  As I write this blog I am listening to Gondoliers talk to each other and musicians in their boats singing. The musician finishes his music and everyone on the street applauds. We are drinking a bottle of Prosecco. Life doesn't get better than this!

What a magical place. It is extraordinary. Rick and I are so lucky to have been able to travel here and see this great historical place.  We walked every inch of it and now can boast 10,000+ steps a day. We are living on Ibuprofen and Band-Aids on our feet.