As I indicated in last weeks column, I would be chronicling our journey to Europe over the next few weeks. In the old days, I might have called it a journey but with air travel today, it has become more of an adventure than a journey. We were up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport for our flight. All was well until we encountered the longest lines at the security checkpoint I have seen in a long time. While it slowed us down a bit, we got to the gate in time to learn that our flight was delayed for an hour. The good news is that once under way, the pilots made up about thirty minutes of the delay getting us into Atlanta only ½ hour late. The bad news is we set on the tarmac in Atlanta for 25 minutes because there was a plane at the gate we were supposed to be at. After a layover in Atlanta, we boarded our plan for the 9 ½ hour non stop flight to Venice, Italy. The good news is we got to Venice right on time, the bad news is that one of our four bags went someplace other than Venice and Delta still can’t locate it. Outside of not have slacks, shirts and underwear, I am in fine shape. After almost 2 ½ hours in the lost luggage line filing the necessary report, we finally headed for our hotel after having missed the shuttle that was supposed to pick us up. Not to worry though, a shuttle into Venice from the airport averages 95 Euro (the US Dollar is worth .62 against the Euro right now so it is a pretty expensive ride) and we discovered we could ride the number 5 bus directly from the airport to Piazzala Roma for a whopping 2 Euro. It is a great system and saves a ton of money. I would recommend anyone coming to Venice consider it.
Venice is like no other. While it has been several years since Carol and I have been here, it is as fascinating as we remember it. Our purpose in coming to Venice three days before the start of the cruise we are escorting was to have a special 35th wedding anniversary celebration. In spite of our bumpy start with the flight and baggage, we managed to make it pretty nice. Dinner under starlight at Albergo Antico Capon in Santa Margherita Square listening to bells of St Mark toll was very romantic indeed. The dinner was terrific, the wine and atmosphere second to none. We wound our way through the stone walkways, over the bridges and to the treat of the nightlights from San Marco. Pretty special 35th for sure.
The next day we got a bit of a late start. Adjusting to a nine hour time difference between Seattle and Venice is not as easy as it used to be. We bought all day water taxi passes that allow you to get off and on at will. We explored the many fascinating areas of Venice from the Grand Canal winding our way through San Croce, San Polo, San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello and Dursoduro ending up in at La Accademia Square. What a fascinating experience with the history, culture and art influence particularly with several hours at St Marc square and a visit to the historic St Marc’s Basilica. This was also my night to pretend to have class and culture. We had an exquisite dinner at Ristorante S Steffano Via San Marco at the La Acceademia. After dinner we attended a spectacular classical music concerto featuring a string and oboe performance of Antonio Vivaldi works in the 13thcentury Chiesa di San Vidal Concert Hall. The concert hall is an experience only being there can provide. It made for an unforgettable evening.
Our next adventure took us to the historic and interesting cities of Verona and Trieste. Verona, among other things is the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. What could be cooler for your 35th anniversary than to visit the home of Shakespeare’s favorite couple. “Jerry, Jerry where art thou” didn’t have quite the same ring, but we made it work. Because of the value and importance of its many historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Edifices are the center of the historic area that includes a Roman Amphitheater and Arena completed in 30 AD. The mid evil architecture of Verona is legendary.
I will continue with our European adventure next week as we meet up with our group of 28 and board the Celebrity Millenium with our first stop in Dubrovnik Croatia.
Venice is like no other. While it has been several years since Carol and I have been here, it is as fascinating as we remember it. Our purpose in coming to Venice three days before the start of the cruise we are escorting was to have a special 35th wedding anniversary celebration. In spite of our bumpy start with the flight and baggage, we managed to make it pretty nice. Dinner under starlight at Albergo Antico Capon in Santa Margherita Square listening to bells of St Mark toll was very romantic indeed. The dinner was terrific, the wine and atmosphere second to none. We wound our way through the stone walkways, over the bridges and to the treat of the nightlights from San Marco. Pretty special 35th for sure.
The next day we got a bit of a late start. Adjusting to a nine hour time difference between Seattle and Venice is not as easy as it used to be. We bought all day water taxi passes that allow you to get off and on at will. We explored the many fascinating areas of Venice from the Grand Canal winding our way through San Croce, San Polo, San Marco, Cannaregio, Castello and Dursoduro ending up in at La Accademia Square. What a fascinating experience with the history, culture and art influence particularly with several hours at St Marc square and a visit to the historic St Marc’s Basilica. This was also my night to pretend to have class and culture. We had an exquisite dinner at Ristorante S Steffano Via San Marco at the La Acceademia. After dinner we attended a spectacular classical music concerto featuring a string and oboe performance of Antonio Vivaldi works in the 13thcentury Chiesa di San Vidal Concert Hall. The concert hall is an experience only being there can provide. It made for an unforgettable evening.
Our next adventure took us to the historic and interesting cities of Verona and Trieste. Verona, among other things is the city of the most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet. What could be cooler for your 35th anniversary than to visit the home of Shakespeare’s favorite couple. “Jerry, Jerry where art thou” didn’t have quite the same ring, but we made it work. Because of the value and importance of its many historical buildings, Verona has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Roman Edifices are the center of the historic area that includes a Roman Amphitheater and Arena completed in 30 AD. The mid evil architecture of Verona is legendary.
I will continue with our European adventure next week as we meet up with our group of 28 and board the Celebrity Millenium with our first stop in Dubrovnik Croatia.