Minotel Rosa Abano Terme

... restaurant where we had a late lunch. (Today was freezing cold in Venice, and I was craving a nice, hot soup of some sort, but – even though it may be hard to believe, given minestrone, Italian wedding soup, etc. – it has been VERY hard to find soup in Italy!) This place, called the Gam Gam Kosher Bar & Restaurant Ebraico, served MATZO BALL SOUP, which I have been particularly craving recently, for some reason – so I was in HEAVEN! I had the ...

... in terms of its architecture and artwork. (Due to restoration work, we couldn’t climb the large bell tower related to both the church and the chapel – although that probably would’ve been just Murray and not me!). As we were leaving Torcello and returning back to Burano, we saw a gorgeous sunset over all the islands in the area.

I didn’t think anything could top little Torcello, but upon returning to tour Burano, we ...

... a walk over the Rialto bridge and check out the market. People were doing business as usual and the city had put up walkways that are like folding tables to keep at least some areas above water. Stores were open and the owners were either doing business as usual with a couple inches of water on the floor or they had pumps going and were pumping the water out into the calles. Most of the shops do have flood guards about 2 feet high which I think keeps out some ...

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I took the chance this time to purchase a bottle of brandy in Toronto and stored it in my carry-on. Oops! Upon arriving in Paris we were required to clear customs to connect to Venice and we only had 1 hour to drink the brandy or relinquish it to their customs department. As time allowed, we exited customs and checked the carry-on into luggage wrapping the brandy with a sweater and hoping for the best.

... is definitely the best time to visit, even if the weather is cooler. Fewer crowds make for a more pleasant experience while walking the narrow streets and bridges.

Sailing out of the city on a giant 150 ft. Windstar yacht towards Slovenia & Croatia was absolutely beautiful. We saw million dollar yachts along the main canal, St. Marks Square & the frilly exterior of Doges Palace, and the tall bell towers of the city's most important churches.

... around Venice, of course shopping and eating! We first went to a shop which Sue had found for making hand-made leather purses. She had purchased a handmade bead on Murano to be attached to her purse! Of course I was able to find a style and color that i wanted along with a matching belt!!! Since "purple" is the in color this yr....................well photo to follow. I will pick up the purse when I ...

... for good.  It wasn't until the 20th century that masquerades became popular once again, and are today celebrated as a fun catharsis before the austerity of Lent.    Venice at nighttime.  We continue to walk reaching the Jewish Ghetto, by now the dark has finally made the city still and only a few locals hurry on, probably seeking shelter from the cold or in search of a warm dinner. The ...

... by the Nutella situation and neither girl was game for the "coffee." We all then went to the pasticceria and the girls and I had more coffee (it was the theme for the day) and we ventured out. Larry (who we have alternately called Rand McNally, Marco Polo, and Vasco de Gama) was trying to rehabilitate his image from last night's "excellent adventure" in which we got totally lost on our way to this gelato place. In his defense, he had lousy maps, it ...

... history and unique architecture. Venice was founded in the 6th century C.E. and began minting its own coinage in the year 814. It became a republic in the 10th century and maintained its status as an independent and, at times, a very powerful and rich republic, for about the next 800 years. Its self applied moniker -- Republica Serenissima -- mean the "Serene Republic." Pretty amazing considering what was taking place on the continent during those years. They ...

... you have a tighter budget you could afford something. I got a beautiful gold and white, half face mask here. I love it. We were then offered the option of seeing a lace demo. I passed on this. By this time I was a bit over demo's and wanted to get out and see things. Some others went though and bought lovely things for their mothers and grandmothers. Most of the group then split up to explore different things. Me, Megan and ...