Day 43 – Saturday 20 June

We lingered over breakfast as our shuttle to Venice did not leave until 2:30 pm. Check out was at 11, so we stored our bags and headed out to the laundromat to pick up our washing.  The lady had texted us and advised they were not open on Saturday’s but would do it and be available for a meet up around midday. This was such lovely service that we appreciated greatly. I have a thing about not having dirty washing in a suitcase with clean washing….

We also purchased a few liquids for our shuttle trip and then had a final iced cuppa and cake at the hotel cafe until our cab arrived.  Ordinarily we would have walked the 1.8km to the bus depot, however in the mid 30’s with noticeable humidity I was not dragging my bag anywhere and then sitting in the vehicle with others less than fresh for the next 4 hours.

Our transit went smoothly, we only had 15 minutes wait in the shaded heat until the shuttle came. The shuttle was ok, but they do not have much leg room between the seats. Importantly it had good air-conditioning to combat the mid 30’s temp. There was only one toilet stop at a truck stop along the way.

Oh my goodness what a grotty stop that was, no seat on toilet, no paper, no soap, no locking doors, signs of previous customers… Fortunately, that is where my personal wipes travel packet and anti back come in very useful.  It was actually that bad I nearly retched.

The drop off point in Venice was on the bus station side across the grand canal on the mainland. Every other time we have been to Venice we have arrived by train.  The bus station is not far from the main island and the minute we got to the top of the first bridge we both were filled with the excitement of meeting up with someone dear to our heart.

A modest walk in a very warm mid 30’s still at 6:30pm had us arrive very warm and sweaty at our hotel for the next two nights.  It is on the grand canal on the side where all the water traffic exits into the lagoon. The building is from 1434 and a ‘palace’ which is of course a wealthy persons home – not royalty. 

Shabby chic, complete with paint that needs refreshing we have good air-conditioning, a shower over bath and a tiny balcony to watch the comings and goings.

Of particular delight are Murano glass chandeliers, complimentary bottle of red wine and a bidet. Sadly the bidet does not work properly so the excitement on that was short lived 🙂

On the walk in through the lanes we had seen a traditional small eatery that has tapas like food at the bar as well as set menu.  We made our way back there and got the last available seating which was at the bar.

There ended the evening with one of the best Italian meals we have had the pleasure of eating.  The owner was behind the bar and reminded me of my father with his wine expertise and occasional tipple he took himself. They promoted only a small selection and recommended like a sommelier.  The service extended to a free modest sample of a particular good one to go with my main course of squid ink calamari. 

For entrees we had a whipped goats cheese with fruit, vegetable and nuts, and a seafood trio of cod fish creme, whole baby octopus including innards, and fried fresh sardine fillets lightly marinated with sautéed onions, pine nuts and raisins.  For mains I had the inky calamari and Vern had a thicker type of pasta with a goose and pea ragu. Nommy nom nom.

This was a perfect example of not eating on the main tourist streets.  It was not cheap, at around 36 euro each for a main and entree, but worth every cent.

Outside our palace

As we waddled home in the subdued golden light through the narrow lanes we both commented that the first love feeling of Venice still remained. Her charm is timeless!