Day 13 Last Day in Venice – Day of many ‘firsts’

For the first time these 2 weeks, this morning I hung some washing on the line that extends across the street (called a fondamente when it runs next to a canal) and then across the canal to an anchor point on the building opposite. Normally I dry it overnight - the towel rail in front of the heater has been fine.

For the first time these 2 weeks, this morning I saw a gondola in my canal. The gondolier was not working – no tourist would come down here and he was wearing jeans not the obligatory black trousers.

For the first time these 2 weeks, this morning I sat down on a traghetto. There is 1 chair for the first 2 people who get on if they want to. I stumbled minorly as I got on ( because I was busy putting my camera away because I had just taken a photo as he came in from the previous trip carrying, amongst others, a child in a stroller and a family dog) and he obviously thought I should sit down.

For the first time these 2 weeks, this morning I went to a place I had read about near the Rialto bridge which is one of the few places you can have a cup of coffee right next to the Grand Canal and watch the passing parade. My view was a bit compromised by the water taxi rank just in front of me, but it was still worth while.

I thought I should pop my head into the Correr Museum. ( It was included on the museum pass) . There were some quite interesting paintings displaying Venetian life. There was a picture of the Doge and his entourage visiting San Zaccaria. I looked hard but I could not see any nuns. There was an extensive archeological section which I skipped – too late in the holiday – and some paintings arranged chronologically which was good. I think I have been muddling my Bellinis – I knew there was a father and son, but there are 2 sons.

For the first time these 2 weeks I had lunch at a nice place on a canal. The waitress was lovely – talked slowly to me in Italian. She had spent 3 years in London and could speak English well. It was a pity it was my last day because I would have gone back there. The canal was a biggish one – many taxis went past and 3 ambulances.

After lunch I pottered back to my home – my washing had not blown away. After pottering ( I do a lot of that) I went down to the waterfront to watch the sunset, but this time sitting at a table having a spritz . Another first – I sat at one of the front row of tables so I could get a good view – it was a lovely sunset – different to the others but I did not take any photos – well, not proper ones because I was not prepared to move from my chair!

Tomorrow I am off to London.