Venice Day 1

The long day and night journey began in Buffalo. . . nice on time departure and arrival into JFK.  We had about a 5 hour layover at JFK because I am a nervous flyer when there are connections . . .so we spent some time in the lounge, played some Angry Birds, poked around the airport, and ate some dinner because they wouldn't be serving dinner until 9pm on the flight. . . way too late for us!  We were finally in line to board the plane and we see someone walk by with an Olympic Jacket on. . so we engage our people watching/stalking skills to figure out who it was - Spike Lee!!!  The Venice Film Festival is being held now and the plane was full of directors and others on the way to the Festival!  So we get boarded on the plane and taxi out to the run way, 2nd in line for take off - the right engine shuts down and the pilot comes on to announce that there is a valve problem.  This guys across from us goes ballistic and is all over the flight attendant to tell him exactly what the problem is and he wants to get off the plane!!!  Needless to say this situation could have gotten very ugly but the flight attendant did a great job of talking him of the ledge!  Anyway, we arrived in Venice about an hour late. . . .then headed to our water taxi!

Jeanna in the water taxi

It was a great way. . .I think the only way to get to Venice is on the water and we had a nice guy captaining our craft!

 The water has lanes of traffic marked off and the taxis drive in the lanes of traffic.  There are many types of boats moving people from one place to the other!

Yachts in the distance

There were quite a few big yachts in town this weekend.  Out captain thought they were here for the film festival.  So we will have all our eyes open this weekend for and fun celebrity spotting opportunities!

Our hotel is across the water from Piazza San Marco so we take a bigger water taxi back and forth.  Our hotel is nice and has a very private expansive garden on the grounds which is rare for Venice.  Venice is mostly water, narrow walking streets, and buildings. . . not much greenery at all.

 This is a typical scene as you explore the streets of Venice, narrow water ways with gondolas transporting people up and down the water ways!

Gondoliers

 Thought the flowers were beautiful on the side of this building!

Jeanna and I on Railto Bridge

Loved these sausages in the shape of pigs!!

We spent the afternoon getting lost in the city and just taking all the different crafts that are displayed from Murano Glass to Paper Machie Masks to Jewelry to Gelato!  We went to a very small restaurant for dinner, I ordered Gnocci and Jeanna ordered the Fried fish - we now know that you must clarify as to what does the "fish" consist of.  Tonight it was sardines, anchovies, and clamari!!
Tomorrow we are going to explore the San Marco Basilica and the Doge's Palace.  Then meet Carole and Iwa for dinner at Anticio Martini and then off to hear some music!

It has been a long day but a good one. . .I am off to bed so I can be ready for tomorrow's adventure . . . .might have to stop and lay on sheets at Frete while I am in town :-)   Ciao!