Venice - Day 4

Our last day in beautiful Venice (I know I use that word a lot, but it's true!) The breakfast room at our hotel was bordered by a small canal on two sides, so it was exciting to see gondolas glide past as we ate. James was keen to get out and chase pigeons. We made his day by buying a bag of corn for 1 Euro to feed them. He squealed with delight and giggled helplessly, declaring "they peck-ed my fingers!" I was at him with the anti-bacterial wipes straight away!

There was no queue at the Palazzo Ducale, Doges Palace. The rooms here were just incredible, so sumptuous and richly decorated. It was easy to imagine the mighty Doge (Duke) sweeping along the corridors and presiding over the council chamber.This massive room houses the largest oil painting in the world by Tintoretto. Apparently he was so honoured to receive the commission he applied to the council for a reduction in his payment! That's dedication!

From the state apartments we crossed over the covered, two-way Bridge of Sighs on the way to prison. Funny, but one can't help but sigh! It was cold and dank in contrast to the regal splendour of the palace. We didn't stay too long.

We were all glad to get back out into the relative warmth outside. James chased more pigeons (they didn't see him coming) and we took the long way to lunch via the Rialto. But once there we decided to hop a vaporetto and go right around the island, past the port and railway station. It was good to get a different perspective. It took a fair while with many stops but arriving back at San Marco we boarded another boat and went a few stops up to the Accademia district. There was definitely a different vibe going on here - a little relaxed and possibly bohemian. There is a university here and it seemed like the cool place to be. The bridge crossing the Grand Canal is made of iron, in contrast to the more common stone ones. It was originally built by Austrians in 1854 (virtually modern!) but was demolished by Mussolini and rebuilt in it's current state in 1985.

The other side of the canal was San Stefano and it's huge Campo, overlooked by three palaces. Here James made a visit to the famous San Stefano gelateria - the home of true Venetian gelati. He chose strawberry. He is always very generous and offers us a taste. This one we could hardly resist eating it all!

Lunch was back again on the Calle dei Fabri at our 'usual' cafe. We tried different things, including an Italian aperitif, Aperol (bitter orange, gentian, rhubarb and herbs) which I adored! Alcohol content of a mere 11% yikes!

Last task was to pick up our suitcase at the hotel and make our way to Marco Polo Airport for the flight home. James fell asleep within minutes of being on the water bus. I was sad to leave Venice. I felt that once there I didn't want to leave, but the prospect of returning makes me happy.

Venezia, siete sempre nei miei pensieri

Photos here.