New Digs in Venice November 19, 2006

Today the roar of the street crowds below our window was a bit more subdued. We supposed because it was Sunday morning and the staggering line of travelers from the rail station were not at full tide. After breakfast we hurried to a laundromat that we had spied the day before which stood just over the first canal bridge on the Rio Terre San Leonardo. When we arrived the only other person there was a lady smoking a cigarette at the door. We assumed that she was doing laundry until she started bathing herself with a cloth while sitting in one of the facilities chairs. We finished as quickly as we could.

Next we moved from the Hotel Zecchini to the Hotel Antico Doge. We treated ourselves to a junior suite at the later which was said to have a canal view. By balancing on your left foot while leaning out the window and tightly gripping the sill you can see the canal. No matter; the room is much nicer and seems as though it will be quieter.

Another nice lunch and we hopped on water bus #1 and rode it to the end at the Lido. #1 makes every stop along the Grand Canal and this took about an hour and a half. A pleasant ride crowded with locals who appeared to be out visiting or enjoying their Sunday afternoon. The Lido is a beach that is out of the canal and in more open water. We rode on the open back deck and with the sun obscured by clouds and the wind coming off the sea we became chilled and were glad to see Ponte di Rialto come into view and our mini cruise end.

A cup of coffee, a little window shopping and it was back to the hotel. One more indulgence for each of us; Holly to do a little more window shopping and me a glass of wine at a sidewalk pizzeria / bar to watch the Venetians enjoy the end of the day.