From the Lake to the Sea

The night before we left Bellagio, we ate at a restaurant called Carillon.  We'd stopped there for a quick meal a couple of days ago.  This time we were able to relax and enjoy the fabulous food secure in the promise that the maitre d' would make sure we had a taxi available to take us back up the hill to our apartments.  We both ordered filet mignon and shared a bottle of wine from Chianti.  It was presented perfectly with asparagus, carrots and small roasted potatoes.  For dessert, Delcie ordered the Tiramisu again.  I had a trio of panna cotta – fig, pineapple, and salted caramel sauces – with a glass of vin santo dessert wine.  The panna cotta was presented as little balls but was actually two halves that had been put together.  I'd love to figure out how to do that!  All in all, the meal was perfect.  The bill was €161 and worth every penny of it!  This time, as promised, the maître d’ ensured there was a taxi to take us back to the apartment (€20). 




Sunday morning, we left the lakes and mountains and traded them for the sea and lagoons of Venice.  Thankfully, our drive back to the Marco Polo airport went smoothly.  Note to everyone:  to get to Bellagio by car take a ferry from Varenna or Menaggio rather than attempt that mad drive on the narrow road to Bellagio.  About nearly 4 hours later, with some of it being stuck in traffic jams on the autostrada, we reached the airport.  The toll for the drive was about 18 euros.  Once we returned the car, we headed to the dock to get the Alilaguna ferry to take us into Venice.  That costs 15 euros one way or 28 euros return.  The wait for the boat took quite a long time - over an hour - and the journey took about an hour.  Since I was here in 2019, they have changed the route, or perhaps there are two, as this time we went along the front passing by the Doges Palace and Piazza San Marco then under the Ponte Accademia to our Rialto stop.  From there, the challenge was dragging our bags crossing canals over the several bridges to get to our hotel.  Thankfully, several strong men came to my rescue.  I am going to have to hire a porter to help me when I leave.  On the walk to the hotel, it was really apparent that Venice is heaving with tourists right now.  The squares and calles (alleys) were crowded and it seemed we were constantly dodging people.  Not fun!

Our hotel, the Canaletto (formerly a palazzo owned by the famous 18th century painter of the same name, is lovely.  Both our rooms can only be described as palatial and way beyond our expectations - yes, that is a bathtub in my bedroom!






That evening, we went for a short walk through Piazza San Marco to the front and the sun on the buildings and gondolas was magical.  Then, we wandered back into the centre over some pretty canals to find somewhere to have a light dinner.  Be aware, nothing in Venice is inexpensive.  That evening I paid $53 CAD for a glass of orange juice, a couple of glasses of wine and a very mediocre Caesar salad.








Monday morning, in order to escape the crowds, we decided to take the ferry to Burano.  I prefer this island so much more than Murano.  It is charming, less commercial, and very colourful yet still has lots of shops, including glass makers, where you can find all sorts of treasures.  Not sure I needed another bracelet and two more pendants but I have them!  We wandered around there for a couple of hours, had a light lunch and then took the 2:20 ferry back.  The ride takes just over an hour stopping at Lido, Punto Sabbioni and another stop on the way.











When we got back to Venice, it was apparent there had been some "acqua alta" (high water) while we'd been away as Piazza San Marco had quite a bit of water in it but, regardless, waiters in rubber boots continued to serve drinks and the orchestras played on.  Later we walked over the Rialto Bridge to a restaurant I've been to often called Riva del Vin.  The food isn't exceptional but the setting can't be beat sitting right on the Grand Canal watching all the activity.  The view of the Grand Canal from the Rialto walking back was lovely.




My first Bellini this trip


So, our first evening and full day in Venice were over.  It is such a unique and fabulous city.  I am so happy to be back here in spite of the crowds.  Thankfully, we are here until the 10th so we have more time to explore and discover new photo ops in this wonderful city!




 

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