Trials and tribulations. . .to begin our Italian journey, we had to end our Slovenian one very, very early in the morning. We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. to walk to the taxi stand. We tried to get a ride out of the pedestrian area, but, “it was just not possible.” So, we reconciled ourselves to walking to the taxi stand, and, there were taxis available, three of them to be exact. But they adamantly refused to take us to the train station as it was too close. So, we did what we had to do; we walked to the station. From the hotel to the station was about a 25-minute walk.
Our 6:00 a.m. train was waiting on the platform but not open. We waited, along with a few others, when the train lights came on and the door opened. We got on, and, the conductor immediately came running and yelled “out of order,” in other words, get off the train. Finally as it was getting later, he announced that another train would be coming on the adjacent platform, which it did (late). We all got on, and, about an hour and a half later, he announced that we will all have to get off at Villa Opicina, an obscure station. Being obedient passengers, we got off and hoped another train would be coming. We were all relieved when a train actually showed up. Back on, and, we were delivered to our original destination so that we could all board another train to our final destinations, which for us was Venice. In spite of all this, we got to Venice at the originally scheduled time.
Having decided that we had had enough adventures for one day, we splurged and opted for a private water taxi to our hotel, Hotel Dona Palace. We still had to walk a short way as our hotel is on a small canal off the Grand Canal, and, if we open our window wide and lean out, we can see the canal.
We waited until later to walk around St. Mark’s Square as the crowds were overwhelming when we wheeled our suitcases through. The Murano and Burano glass in the shops was exquisite. Although the last thing we need is more glasses, it was tempting! There is cafe/restaurant seating set up outside around the Square with several places offering band or orchestral music while dining. They included a surcharge for the privilege of listening to the music.
In the evening we fulfilled one of Steve’s few requests. We had dinner at the very well-known Harry’s Bar restaurant. We had the requisite Bellini at a mere 22 Euros each. Usually I don’t comment on what we had to eat, but, I am making an exception this time as I had the best Cannelloni I have ever eaten. It was Veal Cannelloni with a cream sauce (I am partial to tomato sauces), and, every bite disappeared off my plate. I would describe a meal at Harry’s bar an experience as much as a meal.
Our usual image of Venice generally looks something like the photo following with a couple enjoying a gondola ride:
Unfortunately, the reality is like the picture below. Venice, as has been often reported, is a city literally run over with tourists.
The Venice adventure continues in the next post.
Wow that was quite a train trip you had to reach Venice; but I am glad you made it on time in spite of the hectic schedule, cancellations and change of trains. It seems to me that after this trip on the European Rails, you may decide that future trips could be organized by a good tour company. I write this with one good eye and one just operated one (had cataract surgery last Wednesday, but it all came out fine, except it takes time to adjust). Looking forward to the next report! bon viaggio amici
Where would the adventure be if it were all organized for me? Actually, if you were scheduled to be on that train, it would have been the same outcome no matter who organized it, but, at least we could have blamed someone else! But that being said, future trips will be at a much more leisurely pace. . .or Steve won’t go with me. Hope all goes perfect with the eye. Donna
Ahh, Slovenia…still attached to the good old eastern European ways! In any case, hope you saw the big wooden Madonna/Melania while there! I congratulate you both for the obstacles you have overcome, carry on. Mimi
I admit we did not see the wooden Melania. I think my schedule and choice of places to visit may have been a bit too ambitious for the time allowed. As I mentioned to Raquel, I will need to slow down the pace, or, Steve won’t go with me anymore!
Donna
I am out of breath just reading of the speed of your travels! I am afraid all the big cities are crammed like St Marks Sq until at least mid October.
Continue to enjoy until the end of your trip and look forward to seeing you soon! Caroline
The pace may be a bit too quick; I just wanted to get as much in as I could in a month! Steve is ready to rebel, though! See you October 26, I believe. Donna
A tour de force! I applaud you. If still in Venice go to Torcello for the day. No crowds there. Beautiful and peaceful. Have lunch at Cipriani. a couple of Bellinis. Take the vaporetto back to Venice and enjoy the sunset. Hmmm good.
Thank you! We have already left Venice, blog to follow on the second half. If we had stayed longer, I would have gone to the “less-traveled” parts of Venice and would have taken your suggestions! See you soon. Donna
I”am for the preplanned program. But each to their own. Thanks for the up-dates.
Plans are going much more smoothly after leaving Ljubljana. There are so few rail routes/connections to/from Ljubljana that it makes traveling there difficult. I would do it a bit differently if I were doing it again! Live and learn! Donna
Venice has always been my most favorite place in the world, but after looking at your picture, I might have to rethink that! Then again, maybe it depends on the time of year.
Please tell Steve that he has my sympathy! 😘
I think Steve has everyone’s sympathy! I think that if you went to Venice in the off-season, there would not be the crowds. I had thought later September would be late enough, but, obviously not! Donna