Awoke from a dream around 5:30 just long enough to hear the train whistle blow as we paused at Milano Centrale for passengers to disembark. Alseep by the time train pulled out again. A couple of hours later, a light (very very light) breakfast arrived courtesy of the coachman. Arrived in Venice a short while later at the Santa Lucia station. Bought 3-day vaparetto passes. Discovered that the Grand Canal vaparetto routes were not running this morning. No explanation at the time, but learned later that a colorful regatta was being run today--large and small rowing craft crowded the Grand Canal. (These regatta seem to be good luck...we happened upon one last year as well.) Took a packed #51 vaparetto counterclockwise from the train station. Spotted not one, but SIX cruise ships berthed alongside the northwest tip of Venice...note to avoid San Marco during the day! Disembarked at the Zattere stop in the Dosudoro section and checked into our hotel: the Ca' Pisani...a fun, hip "high design" hotel with a rooftop terrace that feels like it is sitting on top of the city. Had a much needed lunch in Campo S. Stefano. Walked our butts off criss-crossing the city. Stopped for gelato at our favorite gelateria in Campo S. Margherita. More walking. Bright sun and the need for a restroom brought us back to the hotel for a shower and some relaxing on the terrace. Watched a cruise ship drift by taller than the city itself...taking people away hopefully :) Venturing out for dinner after 7pm revealed a much quieter city. Ate at a pizzaria that we found last visit: Rosa Rossa. Caprese. Two pizzas. Chianti. And an amazing tirimisu for dessert. Took the long way home after dinner. Wandering lost among the canals at night is a favorite activity. Took a nighttime ride up the peaceful Grand Canal on the #1 vaparetto. Really need to sleep well tonight.
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