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We stayed at Hotel Guerrini  in the Cannaregio district in Venice. It was conveniently located near the train station in a mainly residential area of Venice. As crowded as Venice was, this hotel was in a quiet, secluded little courtyard through an archway off the main drag.

 

View from my room

 

 

I had heard that the best thing you can do in Venice is to just get lost...which is exactly what we did. There were so many narrow alley ways and you couldn't see where you were going.

 

 

Some alleys dead ended into the canals.

 

 

We felt so laid back though, and just explored. It really was magical watching all the boats float by ...even the ambulances were boats!

 

 

 

 

 

Ahhhh the colors...they brought so much joy to my heart!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If I lived in Venice, I would be this lady, reading in the window and watching the passers by.

 

 

We met some really sweet 4 legged friends along the way.

 

 

 

...and some not so sweet...

 

(click to play)

 

 

                 

This kitty reminded me of my husband's cat, Samson. He looked very similar, and had the same attitude. He pretended to be affectionate, and then would strike when you least expected it!

 

Here is a picture of Samson...

He always had a scowl on his face.

 

It was time to fall into the worst tourist trap...the famous Gondola ride. We knew it was a rip off, but we were in Venice! You just can't go to Venice and not take a gondola ride. It was the one thing I allowed myself to splurge on.

 

 

 

Enjoy your virtual ride!

 

 

 

"La Dolce Vita" (The Sweet Life)

(Sold)

 

It was about to rain, so we made our way to a little cafe' and had Lasagna and Bellini's, and watched all the colorful umbrellas go by.

 

 

 

 

Just as we finished eating, the rain had stopped. We made our way to the Rialto Bridge and watched all the boats glide by. The sun began to peek through the clouds, adding to the ambiance.

 

 

A couple of our 4 legged friends led the way to the glorious San Marcos square...

 

 

 

 

The sun continued to make it's way through the clouds, and  highlighted the golden mosaics. They seemed to sparkle and dance to the live orchestra accompaniment.

 

 

As we walked across the square towards the Grand Canal, we came across a bride getting her photos made, and all the bells in the tower  went off.

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Finally, the anticipated arrival at the Grand Canal; I looked across to the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore, and my thoughts went straight to Impressionist artist, Claude Monet. I was seeing the same view he encountered and captured in several of his paintings. I was in awe. To top it off, the sunset was at it's peak, as if God were blessing me with this special moment.  I was inspired to paint "Grand Finale in Venice", seen below. (This one will be available to purchase starting in May 2017).

 

 

Inspiration photo:

 

It was indeed a "Grand Finale" in Venice.

 

Check back for my next blog on the Islands of Venice!