Venice Day One

It's been two years since I have been in Europe and six since Italy. I forgot how much this ancient land seeps into my soul every time I arrive. And how different is it each time? Not that I am 36, more experienced (in too many things), on a different path and longing for idyl days, a private water taxi to the Hotel Kette was tailored for my Brideshead Venice Revisited moment. 

Here we are for three glorious days before our cruise to Barcelona.

Here is a recap of day one in all of it's jet lagged glory. 

 Hi Lord Byron! " I stood in Venice, on the Bridge of Sighs/ A palace and a prison on each hand."
                                             (And he didn't mention the clap between his thighs!)

 Here is the sweet man hauling our luggage of bricks int the hotel. We already saw one man drop 50 Euro's into the canal so we are hoping our luggage doesn't have the same fate.

 Tight quarters for mother and son but it will do. Oh wait, there is no a/c. Charmant.

 View from the room. Looks lovely until the gondoliers float by screeching love songs to walruses from England during nap time.

 Lunch at Lineadombra, a NYT recommendation and well worth the 30 min stroll. Amazing food and perfect view. 

 Ahhhhhh... the Blackamoors of Venice. Hello, darlings.

Hmmm... this is looking familiar. I wondered where mine flew off to.

There she is! Back again. We remembered our last visit here together when we decided to climb to the top of the bell tower only to realize it was high noon. When the bells started mother said, "You heard - oh shit! - in 20 languages!"

Drinks at the Danieli, the best martini I've had in Europe.

Dusk on the Grand Canal with the moon saying hello.

A shop I simply wanted to curl up in and dream...