[rewind] 7.12.13 - Venice

     We thoroughly enjoyed two nights and one full day in Venice before departing on Norwegian Jade en route to Croatia.
     Because we had to book two nights in Venice so spontaneously, we opted to save money by booking two different hotels (one night in each). This was the cheapest option, ensuring that we were close to the airport to accommodate our late arrival. Both hotels were reasonably priced and offered free, phenomenal breakfasts. We had carefully calculated the best walking route between the two hotels while we were in Morocco and were fully prepared to walk the 30 minute distance to avoid further bus transport costs. This plan would have been perfect... if google maps had actually pinpointed our two hotels correctly. Instead, we walked 30 minutes with our luggage only to discover that the two hotels were actually within sight of each other. We laughed aloud when we realized what we had done and, unwilling to walk the 30 minutes back to where we started, jumped on a bus back to our original starting point.
    After checking into our second hotel (which was actually a 2 minute walk from our first hotel), we ate at a restaurant solely because its name was associated with one of Dave's favorite soccer players: Del Piero. A second selling point was that they had gnocchi, which Dave has become obsessed with ever since he first had it in Milan (and rightly so).

     Then...we left for Venice! Venice is beautiful...as long as you don't have to carry any luggage with you. The city demands a lot of walking over a lot of bridges; however, the views are totally worth it. We were quite content to simply walk around the city all day taking pictures and eating gelato. Nicole particularly enjoyed taking pigeon pictures in San Marco Square.

Venice from Rialto Bridge

@ Rialto Bridge

San Marco Square

We left Venice mid-day on the 13th for our very first cruise.

Last morning in Venice pre-cruise

      With 2 pools, 4 hot tubs, daily theatrical productions, more than enough all-inclusive restaurant options, a new animal towel every day, shuffle board, etc; we were ready to say "ciao" to Venice. :)

The view of San Marco Square/Venice from aboard Norwegian Jade:

Tomorrow: Croatia!

-David & Nicole