Venice - Final Day

Walking and Walking....

We spent our final day in Venice on our feet, walking around. How did we know where to go? We didn't - we just walked until we saw a sign like the one below. This is about the only way to get around - look for signs that point you to major landmarks. This one, Al Vaporetto, points you to the nearest water taxi.

We climbed over the Ponte dell'Accademia again heading towards the quieter side of Venice, a district called Dorsoduro.

Just as we got to the top of the bridge, we heard wailing sirens and noticed a boat speeding down the grand canal. Puffin got a shot of the boat as it sped by us. Turns out it was the firemen racing towards a fire.

Dorsoduro indeed is much quieter than San Marco. It seems like the side of Venice that is least touristy. We walked along many of the canals there and took photos.

Everyone else had the same idea - seemed like the whole district was out for a stroll, soaking up the sun.

Again, very few folks taking gondola rides. I saw many parked, waiting for clients.

The other thing you see in Dorsoduro that you don't see elsewhere is the laundry hanging out to dry. It made it feel much more like a normal neighborhood.

I like this bridge - it's built across a small canal to a restaurant.

The street art in Dorsoduro was good too.

An artist was obviously obsessed with animals.

We walked slowly around all day, stopping for lunch, gelato, coffee, snacks.... But just as slowly, time ran out on our vacation.

We made our way back to San Marco and I took a shot of Venice's own leaning tower.

We hopped onto the Vaporetto and inched our way up the grand canal towards our bus to the airport.

Marco Polo airport is like any other with one small exception - I've never seen huge lingerie ads bookending the departure information. Viva Italia!

Finally, a thanks to my benefactor. He paid for the whole trip, making it all the sweeter. I sent a postcard to thank him....