First by bus and then by boat, we arrived in the magical city of Venice. Joe and Paulo's planning made the transportation (luggage included) seamless. We walked through Piazzo San Marco and marveled at the exterior. A walk to Santa Maria della Salute and a stop at Harry's Bar for the popular Bellini. On way back to hotel we wandered through some less-crowed areas. We were able to go into the The Benedetto Marcello Conservatory and listen as exceptional students practiced their musical talents behind the doors. A palace-like building with a spacious courtyard was a treat for ears and eyes.
Our evening began with a gondola ride. When two gentlemen (not in our group) stepped in, I thought they were out for the ride, just like us. Surprise - they were the musicians (singer and accordion player) who serenaded our ride. O Sole Mio, Santa Lucia, Buonasera Senorina - to name a few. A very special moment and memory
Dinner was a Venetian speciality - Bacari con Cicchetti. A bàcaro is a comfortable place where wine and food served in small portions called cicchetti are served. The customers usually belly up to the bar for sips of local wine and fabulous al fresco finger food. But the 30 of us were too large for the bar and were seated outdoors in the little campiello and treated with great hospitality. Immediately, large plates of sea-food, proscuitto and cheese, bruschetta, pasta and mixed salads were passed around as we filled our "small plates" from this array of wonderful fresh-from-the-market food. My new favorite was creamed cod over palenta.
To cap off the evening, we sat in St. Mark's Square listening to the dueling orchestras, sipping a nightcap, and enjoying the night air in the less-crowded time and space of Venice. Encore. Encore. Non voglio che questo finisca.
Our evening began with a gondola ride. When two gentlemen (not in our group) stepped in, I thought they were out for the ride, just like us. Surprise - they were the musicians (singer and accordion player) who serenaded our ride. O Sole Mio, Santa Lucia, Buonasera Senorina - to name a few. A very special moment and memory
Dinner was a Venetian speciality - Bacari con Cicchetti. A bàcaro is a comfortable place where wine and food served in small portions called cicchetti are served. The customers usually belly up to the bar for sips of local wine and fabulous al fresco finger food. But the 30 of us were too large for the bar and were seated outdoors in the little campiello and treated with great hospitality. Immediately, large plates of sea-food, proscuitto and cheese, bruschetta, pasta and mixed salads were passed around as we filled our "small plates" from this array of wonderful fresh-from-the-market food. My new favorite was creamed cod over palenta.
To cap off the evening, we sat in St. Mark's Square listening to the dueling orchestras, sipping a nightcap, and enjoying the night air in the less-crowded time and space of Venice. Encore. Encore. Non voglio che questo finisca.
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