This is the last day in Rome and then on to Venice by train. It was a zero dark hundred departure to catch the 7:35 fast train. The Rome villa was just the best, different from Istanbul and very personal. For some reason, the number of bags has grown along with our waistlines. It’s a good thing that Brad had reserved a large van to take us to the train station.
The train ride was effortless. And fast (see the speedometer photo). While we had purchased seats in the first class car, I failed to notice that the seats were in the “quiet car.” We received a stern finger wagging and a loud “Silenzio!” from a passenger. So we enjoyed the 4-hour ride through the countryside in silence peppered with more than one nap.
It was raining as we arrived in Venice and boarded our water taxi to the apartment. We were dropped off close to the apartment but far enough to get a little damp.
Today our friends, David and Lynn, arrive in Venice from Jacksonville. They were with us last year for the Paris leg of our trip and it’s great to have them back. David immediately picked up where he left off last year by embracing the local art.
We headed out to find a quick spot for lunch so that we could get back and unpack and Dave and Lynn could catch a nap after the overnight flight in. The food everywhere on this trip has been great, the but the pasta in Italy is beyond description.
We stopped in a grocery store to pick up a few things and could not resist the fried egg flavored potato chips. They taste exactly as the label suggests; they’re terrible but we’ll try them for breakfast.
Venice is a city that is sinking. I have posted a shot of a tower seen from our bedroom. I included the window frame as a point of reference so the tilt of the tower is in context.
After resting up, we went out wandering with the intent of ending up at a spot for pizza. We accomplished both by ending up in the iconic San Marco square. The pizza was really good (I was so hungry that I forgot to snap some photos). The only blemish to the meal was Liz being the target of a rude seagull.
On the way back to the apartment, we stopped at the St. Regis hotel where Mae and I spent time 2 years ago to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. It’s right on the Grand Canal and has great views. They also have a number of very unique signature drinks. I opted for the clear negroni that is light and refreshing. We’re definitely going back tomorrow to see what else they have.
