Canals, Grapevines and Gelato

 Here I am, wide awake, ready to start today's adventure. But since it's 5:30am; my adventure companion, and probably most of Venice, are sound asleep. So I will eat my cold, leftover, real Italian pizza, organize my photos and write!

Although it was bucketing down rain when we arrived yesterday afternoon, by the time we had our post-travel naps, the sun was out and it was a glorious spring day. Janis and I headed out for a walk, to get the lay of the land. We chose our hotel primarily by it's proximity to the airport and that it was on a bus route. It was also far more affordable to not stay on the main island of Venice. 

We are in a residential area with small, family owned businesses. On our stroll we encountered all local people, not a bunch of other tourists. People are very friendly, especially the ones who are walking their dogs, but they don't smile and nod as they pass, like we do at home. So we get some odd looks, Everywhere we go, there is a small group of old men standing around, gossiping. People on their balcony, shouting a conversation to a friend down below.

The architecture is stunning, a mix of traditional and modern. Clay tile roofs with solar panels. Balconies with container gardens and washlines.

After a restorative pizza lunch/supper at a corner cafe (sitting outside, of course), we made our way to the canals. In one direction, there was a small marina. In another, the canal runs parallel to the street, and personal boats are docked opposite of houses, like a watery parking lot. Ducks napped on the boardwalk, probably exhausted from frolicking in the rain. So many fish were splashing in the water that they startled us as we walked by. 

We found random, small vineyards, less than an acre and the wisteria is blooming everywhere. The air is so fragrant, there are gardens and pots of plants everywhere. We found a garden allotment, complete with little sheds for each plot. Instead of individual bins, there are large garbage/compost/recycle bins every few blocks. We encountered one fellow, with a wheelbarrow full of garden waste, trundling towards the compost!

Garden Allotments

Grapevines in the middle of the city

After hours of strolling, soaking up the sunshine, and recovering from airport fatigue of the last two days, it was time for a long awaited treat. Gelato!

Across the street from our hotel, there is small park with a strip of businesses along side. One of which is coffee and gelato. I had mango and raspberry, which were so intensely flavourful that is was like they just pureed and froze the fruit.  I don't know what Janis had, it had some sort of cake in it, but her reaction was reminiscent of "When Harry met Sally"! We sat outside, savoring our decadence, watching children play in the park. We made friends with the sweetest, and most massive dog. We think he was a cross between a Burmese Mountain Dog and a Black Bear!

We are going back  this morning for coffee and pastries to fortify us for today's adventure!