Italy 2006-2.1

Editing note: Internet access has been a bit of a problem, thus I have been writing off line. Today I can catch up...

We have arrived in Venice! We flew from Frankfurt to Venice directly over Innsbruck Switzerland and had a fantastic view of sunset over the Alps (sorry, no pictures). The wait in Frankfurt was pretty long, three hours and change. Coupled with how tired we were, that made the Germany experience less than stellar, however it was worth the wait. Despite some clouds, the view landing in Venice was great. We took the Alilaguna line vaporetto from the airport, and were treated to the laguna at night, complete with dodging cruise ships, banging into wharfs, etc. When we got to San Marco it was beautiful. completely overwhelming. We both had the same "are we really here experience" and stood there gawking like tourists. Actually we were gawking like architects; however the effect is the same. The scale, the stonework, the lighting are all very impressive and make a wonderful first impression.

We had a little trouble finding the hotel, Residence Corte Grimani, just as everyone else did who commented on the travel sites. It seems completely counterintuitive to dive down the path that actually cantilevers out over the canal. I plan on writing a very precise description, and maybe even post some video on Youtube to describe how to get to it. The hotel is very nice, very comfy. It is an apartment style, with each suite having a little kitchenette/living room, bathroom and bedroom. The whole thing has heavy timber beam work on the ceiling. We will debate whether they are real or not and let you all know. We are right off San Marco, and thus feel like we are in the middle of this ancient city, yet tucked away in our own little corner of it.

We ate at Trattoria da Zorza last night, had a lovely bottle of wine (Merlot, from the Veneto), veal scaloppini and fresh sea bass. The food was simply prepared, yet very satisfying. The only thing to give me a bit of pause was the head of the fish staring back at me. I had a "are they messing with the tourist?" moment there, but no one seemed to be snickering. We wandered a bit trying to find the place, but that is the point of the whole adventure. We had a great sleep and awoke to church bells and construction noise. A bit of juxtaposition, but not all unpleasant.
The plan today is to explore the Carneregio, and firm up train travel plans to Florence.