Ah, Venezia.

Venice could be one of the most beautiful, romantic cities in the world....if it weren’t for the mobs of tourists and the oppressive heat.

We took the water bus to the San Marco stop and the designated meeting place for the Viator tour I had booked.  We were early which was fine.  We decided to walk along the Grand Canal for a bit.  Unfortunately, this was not an original idea.  Mamma Mia!  The hordes of tourists is such a turnoff.

We met up with our tour guide and realized we were joined by 2 men from our ship who had overheard us say our name is ‘Nuzzi’.  One of them worked at Fox and is now in the ‘business’ in 

Marin County.  He knew a John Nuzzi who worked at Disney and so asked if Dom was related.  He is not but used to get some of John’s emails, erroneously.  Thus started a conversation which was nice.

Also on our tour was a group of 8 from  New Jersey.  I swear, do some Americans really have to show off their ignorance? 

When asked by our guide if the women had shawls to cover their shoulders before entering the church, this one Ditz says, “May I ask a stupid question?  Why is this necessary?”  For the love of God??? 

I overheard her saying they are of Italian descent which usually means you have some religious background as well.  Whatever!

The clock in the Piazza is brilliant.  Not only do the ‘lions’ strike the bells on the hour, but the Roman numerals directly underneath reflect the exact time in hours and minutes.  Below that are the zodiac signs which change with the month.  

Of course, Cathedral of San Marco is breathtaking; boasting over 4,000 miles of tiles and mosaics, with gorgeous gold backgrounds.

After the tour of the church, we went on a walking tour mostly away from the maddening crowds; down little alleys and streets only a native would know.  

Eleanora, the guide, is beautiful even with the sling she wore because she dislocated her shoulder falling off a hammock!  Needless to say, she did not get much sympathy ...lol.

Here is the ultimate touristy thing to buy!

We had almost 3 hours between the conclusion of the walking tour and the second part of the tour, a boat ride through the Grand Canal.  After lunch at a non-tourist restaurant, I could see that Dom was beginning to fade.  He has been fighting ‘something ‘.  

We had a Baroque Evening on tap and I was worried about him not being able to enjoy it , so I decided to forego the boat ride and take a water taxi back to the ship so Dom could rest.  One of my better decisions, I must say.

He rested and I wrote yesterday’s blog.  After showers (we really needed them) and room service, we were on our way again, to an enchanting evening....a 9 piece orchestra, dressed in typical baroque style...huge hooped skirts for the ladies and the frilly shirts and waistcoats for the men....began the program.  The remainder of the program were selections from the most popular operas sung by a tenor, a baritone and a soprano whose voices were excellent and their expressions and acting just delightful.  A magical evening!

Since we were to be met at the pier by a driver in the morning, we decided we would wheel out our own luggage in the morning and avoid packing in the evening.

All in all, we loved the cruise and the itinerary.  My only disappointment is that there were no ‘sea days’ to just relax and enjoy the ship.  We are on to Lake Como where I hope to get the r&r I know my husband needs and I enjoy.