Sep 10 - the last day

It wasn't the easiest drive to Venice, due to traffic.  Lots of slowdowns as we approached Balogna and some crawling added 1/2 hour to the trip.  Still, we were here around 1pm, checked in and off to find lunch, so it wasn't too bad.  It was hot -- 32C -- and city hot is hot.  We had talked about going into Venice but decided against that, opting to come back to our room and relax after lunch.

I headed off to 6:30 p.m. Mass with some trepidation, because I didn't know the exact address, but church bells as I got closer were a big reassurance.  I was early, so I stayed outside and browsed some shops a bit and then headed in.  This had to be the longest Gospel that I've ever encountered, as long as the readings on Palm Sunday.  I have no idea what it was.  Not to be outdone, the priest gave an equally long sermon.  He had an interesting style, speaking in a semi-hushed voice, but that's all I knew because I couldn't pick up on anything that he was saying.  I need to learn some Italian !

Back to the hotel for a few minutes, we headed to dinner.  In 2011 when we were here, we ate at a little restaurant -- Moro -- that was so wonderful the first night that we went back for the second night.  We'd asked our hotel in advance to make a reservation for us so we were expected.  It was as good as before.  It's a tiny little restaurant.

Sandy had the steak tartare prepared at the table.  We had watched him do this 5 years ago but hadn't opted for the raw beef at that time.  I had a nibble of Sandy's -- wonderful -- but enjoyed my baked tomato appetizer, fish main (secondi) and roasted veggies.  I never have primi -- that's always pasta.  I probably had pasta five years ago.

We told the owner, pictured above, that we'd been here five years ago and had been looking forward to coming back.  He shook my hand and gave Sandy a hug.  I guess we're family now !

Another day, the last full day, was finished.  Today we head to the airport and off to Montreal.  I tried to do web check-in but Venice doesn't do that.  VCE doesn't appear in the Air Transat drop down list -- I called them to confirm.  I guess Marco Polo is just old fashioned (that's the airport name).  We'll be early enough and our seats are already selected.

With a 3pm departure, Venice-time and by now body-clock-time; it will be 6pm, midnight body-clock-time when we land in Montreal, definitely after my bed time but I'll probably catch a few zz's on the flight.

Onward ?!?