September 11, 2024 (Happy Birthday, Shirley)

Venice

 

We were awakened at midnight with loud crashes of thunder, lightning, wind, and heavy rain. But, by morning the sky was clear and temperatures cool.  The storm took out the elevator at the Hotel, so we were lucky that we were on the 3^rd floor. We had a leisurely breakfast and then queued up to depart the Lido.  The tide was high so we had to walk to another canal where the low bridges were a bit higher.

 

  

We then began that 90 minute boat ride from the Lido to Chioggia and the Viking Sea.

 

 

(begin shameless paean of Viking and cruising)

 

What we like about cruising can fill a notebook, but  boils down to the fact that we only have to unpack once and we are taken care of totally.  We choose to cruise with Viking because they have proven to treat us well, have interesting places to go and we learn a lot about stuff we didn’t know.  Also, there is one price. It’s like having a condo or vacation home except the location varies to interesting places. And better than a condo because we don’t have to cook, clean, do laundry, or mow the lawn.  We do have to relax, learn and have fun (and eat well). But there are things that may not be so attractive and we can deal with those.

 

Boarding the Viking Sea was easy.  We had pre-registered our photo and passport data so all the check in person had to do was verify and we were on the way through security (ala TSA – except we could keep our shoes on). And up to our cabin.  Easy-Peasy.  And for us, it was like coming home to our own vacation rental or condo.  It is so familiar.  Plus all the staff are (not seem to be) genuinely happy in their work – and they do it well.

 

Like lunch for instance – after dropping off our carry-ons in the room, we made our way to the World Café – an extensive buffet.  Today they were serving salt encrusted baked salmon along with a myriad of other tasty dishes.  Their soups are world class – roasted corn chowder today.

 

After lunch we wandered back to the cabin (with stops on the way to peruse the extensive offerings of books).  Our luggage was waiting and so we stowed the contents in drawers, hangups and cubbies.  (And there they stay until 9/25.)

 

Now begins the daily ritual – 5PM Port talk, dinner, fun activity, dancing, and a well-earned bed.

 

NEWS FLASH!! 

 

The captain just came on the PA and announced that bad weather is forecast for the Venice Lagoon area with high winds.  There is a risk that the ship may be stuck in the lagoon for several days due to this wind. Therefore, we are cutting short our stay and heading down the Dalmatian coast.  We had looked forward to our excursion to Murano where the beautiful glass is produced.  BUT – Shirley reminded me the first rule of a good traveler: Be Flexible!  (Being safe is a more of a way of life than a rule.). Anyway, we are flexible and if the Captain says it isn’t safe we are all aboard with him!

 

This happens maybe at least once a cruise – We missed, Casablanca, Dakar, and Lans aiu meadows and now Murano.  The alternatives are always well worth the time (Funchal, Cape Verde, and so forth).

 

After a great dinner at the main restaurant, and some classical music (Violin and Cello) over a Grand Marnier we called it a night.

 

Buena Sera!

 

Oh and 3720 steps, Anna!  (We have to make that up!!)