More photos of the Palace and the ghetto and from the vaporetto

Just had to include these, after all we had two days worth....

Last days in Venice

Took a walking tour with a private guide, Ileana, a Venitian, who offered interesting architectural, historical and cultural info about Venice. She took us to fascinating places we would not have found as tourists. Then we toured the Palace of the Doge, and it is there that you get the true sense of power held by those who controlled Venice, hand in hand with God! (or so theyconvinced the people)
Anita wrote the next bit- I am taking a break.
Had an interesting day wandering all over the area near the Jewish Ghetto, train station etc.

Decided to find out if there was a way into train station that would not involve steps. We found it, and in the train station, who did we run into but the wonderful couple who hauled all our suitcases and found our hotel for us. So in Venice we only knew John & Judy, and that couple, and ran into both of them in an hour!

Just freshening up in the hotel, and have decided to go near San Marco Square and eat there. We had a really great lunch - fresh sea bass and Pinot grigio, a little pasta and clams. Ho hum!

Have had a wonderful time in Venice, and feel we have covered a lot of ground. Just enough time, actually.

Venice

Beyond words! Just look at the photos!
I love limoncello! I love the canals and bridges and streets, narrow with a surprise view around every corner. I love a late dinner in the square outside on the verandah when we are reading about frost in Calgary. I love water taxis and gondoliers. I love the wine. I am kind of liking retirement so far......

Cooking with Katia in Il Vacario

Only a few minutes from San Gimigiano this rustic inn offers cooking classes from beginners (me) to advanced (someone else). There were also two American couples from Syracuse NY to share this experience. It has to be a highlight. We made our own pasta and tasted young, medium and aged peccarini cheese. The trick is to use sweet to accompany sharp. Med had a small spread of orange marmalade and sharp - honey and freshly grated nutmeg. A salad using squishy bread (ask us if you want to know more), bruchetta, sautéed chicken with prosciutto, all accompanied by excellent wines and topped with cappuccino. Now we need clients to practice with when we get home. Any takers? Lovely relaxing evening on the hilltop overlooking San Gimigiano. Did you know roosters crow in the afternoon?

Siena

Not a long drive to old 12 C walled city of Siena but it was an adventure to locate the parking once we arrived. Anita was extremely patient and I was extremely thankful she was at the wheel. But it was all worth it just to see the Duomo (cathedral) and to lunch and people watch in the Piazza del Campo. The Piazza is the site of a medieval horse race that pits 10 of the 17 districts of Siena twice a year in a viciously competitive race through the city. Then the winning district spends the remaining part of the year celebrating. It was a great day and we celebrated with wine, the house specialty, rabbit in white wine sauce, pork medallions and an array of Italian desserts in tasting portions. Perfecto!