Report from Venice and Istanbul

We traveled from Ljubljana, Slovenian, by bus to Mestre, Italy, and connected by train to Venice. There appears to be no customs/immigration between Slovenia and Italy. Once in Venice, we hopped on the “Vaporetto” water-ferry to our canal-side Best Western Calvaletto Hotel just steps from The Piazza San Marcos in the centre of the city. 

Everything we wanted to see was within easy walking distance of our hotel.

Venice is a city of many islands, each one more scenic than the other.  All barely above sea level.

TIP: The “vaporetto” provide economical, convenient service along the major waterways and to/from the airport.

It is always a scenic ride!

The numerous canal bridges have stairs at each end, preventing motorized travel. “Vaporetto”, gondolas and walking are the only ways to get around Venice. Rolling suitcases, walkers and infant carriages or strollers are not convenient. 

For more information visit http://veniceexplorer.net

There are small restorantes everywhere and we sought ones specializing in seafood. The grilled Adriatic squid is wonderful. Another favourite was mostly raw seafood antipasto (tuna, sea bass, cuttlefish, monk fish, salmon, and langouste). They are also well-known for pastas, prosciutto and cheeses, and, of course, wines. Peter enjoyed merito (local draft beer). Italian capacchino and espresso are delightful, especially with gelato. Followed by lemoncello or other digestif. Meals were always leisurely.

There is a gondola “terminal” just outside the breakfast room of our hotel. We were amused watching cruise-ship tourists boarding the gondolas. The gondola customers seemed to be predominantly Asian. While we saw no singing gondoliers, they do wear distinctive dress and have a flamboyant manner.

There are abundant opportunities to attend theatrical, operatic and symphonic performances at reasonable prices. We selected several, and purchased tickets at the Tourism Office near our hotel. 

 

“Venezia”, is a comic “historical documentary” of Venice (http://www.teatolafenicie.it ). 













We had fun trying on Commedia del 'Art masks at Teatro San Galo. 











There was a delightful evening of Opera Excerpts by Venice-born Vivaldi in the Historical Theatre. Another day we attended L'Orchestra de Musici Veneziana for selections from Cimarosa, Mozart, Rossini, Offenbach, Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini with Angela Metteni (soprano), and Cosimo D'Adamo (tenore).

One morning, The Piazza San Marcos was flooded by “acqua alta” (high tide), bubbling up from the storm drains.   

We found alternate routes until the tide receded. Only a minor inconvenience.

There are numerous “scams” running on the streets. Street hawkers are offering “genuine” Rolex watches and Gucci leather goods. Don't accept the long stem rose handed to you unless you are ready to pay for it. “Selfie” sticks are offered everywhere (“Try it for free", right!). Gypsies are kneeling on canal bridges all day with outstretched hands.

The most curious scam was the numerous “bride-and-groom” couples in wedding dresses and tuxedos, posing for “wedding pictures” on canal bridges. Of course, tourists also wanted to photograph the romantic couple, but then found themselves shaken down for tips by members of the “wedding party”. Curious how the same “bride-and-groom” were on the same bridge near our hotel every day!

Venice is heaven for museum-goers. During our brief visit we took in several. Museo Correr is the National Museum of Venice which holds treasures of archeology, ethnology, and art. 

Catherine was enthralled with the ancient machines for spinning wool.


This museum is so extensive that we reached information overload. Clearly worth several visits.

The Palace of The Doge, a.k.a., Palazzo Ducale Venezia, has layers of accumulated ornamentation from the 14 and 15^th centuries. There are substantial Renaissance additions and opulent Mannerists details. 



Across the Ponte del Academia is the Gallerie de Academia, with it's collection of mostly religious art.

A museum in itself, St. Mark's Basilica is unique for it's wealth of history and the magnificence of it's interior. We avoided the usual long lines there and elsewhere by visiting in the “off season”. St. Mark's Basilica contains numerous paintings by famous Italian and European artists. It's Byzantine character appears on the great mosaics illustrating St. Mark's life, as well as scenes from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.

People-watching was an interesting part of our visit!

Departing Venice was even easier than arriving. Just hopped on the “Vaporetto”, steps from our hotel, direct to the Airport for our Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. We were delighted to learn of the $400/person one way fare from Venice to Boston with a layover in Istanbul. We booked the flight online the night before, applying for and receiving our visas also online. On our next visit to Istanbul we will make use of the tour deals offered by Turkish Airlines. Check out http://www.istanbulinhours.com 

Airport security appeared tight, particularly in Istanbul. There were multiple security screenings and passport checks, the first to enter the terminal. The airport lobby and concourses are patrolled by armed soldiers, also in evidence outside the terminal.

We did not understand all the signs. Particularly puzzling was this one in the airport men's room.  Even knowing that "masjid" means mosque did not help.

Our experience with Turkish Airlines was very pleasant and we recommend them highly. Service was outstanding, seats large and comfortable. We flew economy, of course. Nevertheless, we were served by on-board chef delivering endless supply of Turkish red wine. 

There was a full dinner on the first leg (minced beef with sauteed eggplant, marinated green beans) and two full meals on the leg to Boston. 



Before landing Boston Logan it was Zevtinyagli Enginar (artichoke and olive oil), Rigatoni Makarna, Domates/sote patlican, and Kurutulmus domates/Roka. We were told they make 200,000 meals/day in the “Big Kitchen” in Istanbul for their outbound flights. Their departure lounge in Istanbul has two floors (6000 square meters, with 12 bars). And they go “everywhere, man”. Consider flying Turkish Airlines.

In-flight we met two interesting people. One was a Nepalese Police Administrator who encouraged us to visit his country. The other was a Canadian Foreign Service Officer stationed in Turkey who had been to Venice to scuba dive on her free weekend.

In Istanbul we lodged at The Elite World Business Hotel Grand, with convenient airport shuttle. 

 We noticed elevated security at the hotel. Entrance to the lobby is through a metal detector. “Smart card” room keys are required to operate the elevators. 

Our room was large and well-appointed, the staff courteous. 

We welcomed a well-deserved rest!

The breakfast was beyond our previous experience. There were rows of salami, sausage, cheese, olives, fruit, breads, pastries, cereals, and even a frame of honeycomb to cut your pleasure!



The selection of nuts and fruits was impressive.

Such a variety of breakfast salads we have never seen!



Or, select from the hot offerings, including soup, eggs, bacon and sauteed vegetables.




Istanbul is an interesting mix of Eastern and Western cultures. We were amused by women in tight leather trousers, stilettos and smoking, but wearing hijabs. We would certainly return for a more leisurely visit.

Upon arrival at the Boston airport, we were met by Thompson Transportation for the drive to Keene, NH, where friend Inga met us and welcomed us into her home once again. Thank you, Inga.

We quickly departed NH promptly the next morning to drive south, as a snowstorm was forecast (and it did arrive!)

Peter and Catherine, Now aboard the S/V “Charlotte D” in the Southern Caribbean. Link: http://svcharlotted.blogspot.com/