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Elnap - Hi there! No, you didn't miss the report on Lake Como. I have been slacking with my trip reports. I will be sure to write that soon so be on the look out. We stayed at Hotel Florence and we thought it was lovely. It had this beautiful rustic feel to it with wood beamed ceilings and was beautifully decorated. I would definitely chose that hotel again. The only thing I felt that it was missing was a pool because we went in July and it was hot. (the hotel has AC which is a plus, but you have to ask for the rooms with AC) Also, we felt like we had more downtime since Lake Como is very laid back, so a pool would have been nice for the downtime. However, the only hotel with a pool that I would have considered staying in was Villa Serbolini and that was over 400 Euro a night and I didn't want to spend that.

I am definitely glad we stayed in Bellagio and not another village. I thought the place was so charming. It had so many adorable streets that go uphill with many places to eat, shop, and explore. The other villages had charming streets but had less to "see and do." We went to Mennagio to rent a boat and it was very nice as well but just not as much to do there. However, people go to Lake Como to relax and enjoy, so you may be happy with any village. I always tend to gravitate to the bigger towns so there is always a myriad of options. Even though Bellagio is quite bigger than some of the other villages, it still has that charm factor and the amazing views of course.

Have you considered Tuscany as another stop?

=D>
Venice is on my bucket list so I am enjoying your report.

Last day in Venice! SO SAD!!

The first thing we went to today was the Rialto market. We wanted to get there early to avoid the crowds. It was neat to see the myriad of options for fish, fruit, and veggies. There were some fish that I had never heard of! I was looking for my beloved Sturgeon but I didn't see it. I have yet to eat that fish again because I cannot seem to find a restaurant that serves it. The first time I had it was in Sarasota, Florida and it was the best fish I have ever tasted. As we walked around the Rialto Market, I bought some raspberries for breakfast. We then walked up the Rialto Bridge and took a photo. It was so hectic on this bridge and I wanted to get out of the crowds.

Today was a strike for the vaparettos and just when we bought our 48 hour pass! Oh well. Our plan for the day was to wonder around San Polo and Santa Croce. There are some really charming areas through San Polo and I did a lot of my journaling in Campo dei Frari. I sat on a ledge on a smaller canal listening to two college students play their violin and flute. More classical music watching Venetian life go by. I am in an absolute state of bliss and trying not to remember that today is our last day. We lingered at this campo for a while. The classical music was so lovely and we just soaked it all up. I wish we had more of the arts and music in the States. I just love classical music and I wish I took my own piano skills more seriously. I was classically trained but stopped in high school.

Todd and I had a very romantic moment when the two musicians started playing Wedding March and it brought us back to our wedding day. Oh Venezia! Eventually we came out of blissful state and realized we were hungry. As we walked away we admired the Frari Church as it got farther and farther away. We followed a Fodors recommendation for lunch at Il Rafaelo in Santa Croce, that is known for their pizza. It was indeed delicious! This outdoor cafe was off of a small canal in a lovely campo. It looked like a good place to come back at night because some of the cafes strung colored lights overhead. Another reason I liked this campo is because it is on a smaller scale and seemed to have more places to sit and even some green space. I believe the name of the campo is Campo Giovanni. It was very charming. It also had a small grocery store and was not overcrowded with tourists. Looking back, I took a huge liking to San Polo(the part away from the Rialto Bridge) and Santa Croce. I found it irresistibly inviting and the vibe was warm. In fact, I think I like it more than Dosoduro. It has more of a local flavor while still maintaining the charm and grandness. I loved the smaller campos, more places to relax, less tourists, and lots of musicians everywhere. I think I can proclaim that these two areas are my favorite in Venice.

We walked back to our hotel and had a rest. We headed back out at 7 pm. We walked towards the Accademia Bridge and got slushies and found a quiet canal to relax by. We continued to walk around and enjoy our last sunset in Venice. The weather was perfect and we heard some more musicians playing on the Zattere. The nostalgia was starting to set in. We were leaving this perfect place tomorrow. I am so glad that even in peak travel time, I was able to see the "real" Venice. That can really make all the difference.

We ended our last night listening to the orchestras in St. Marks Square. We went there every single night while we were in Venice. This time the crowd was the most liveliest and it was the perfect way to end the trip. We will never forget our adventures in Venice. Its more than just "visiting a city." Its a place to go to rejuvenate your soul and make time stand still in this floating piece of heaven.

Ciao Venezia! We will definitely be back to visit you. Don't forget about us. Until then....

I don't think Sturgeon is found in the Adriatic thus not found at the Rialto Fish Market. I loved shopping for fish and produce there when we rented an apartment in Venice.

I adore Italy but am absolutely in love with Venice. Thank you for such a wonderful trip report that reminds why I fell in love with Venice in the first place.

Jill were other people dancing in St.Mark's square? I've been three times and never seen anyone dancing. I've always wished that they were so we could join in when the orchestra is playing. Great report!

Micheline - everyone was dancing! It was one of the most beautiful memories I have from the trip.

Brava, Jill!

As others said, your descriptions capture that magical quality of Venice. DH and I returned several times and never tired of it. I have a morning photo with mist around the light poles that my heart calls up every so often.

Thanks for sharing this.

I've really, really enjoyed your TR. And thank you so much for the added info on Lake Como. I had kind of liked the idea of staying in Varenna, but DH likes Bellagio just from a few peeks at some internet photos. Your comments make me feel better about his surprise selection. I'll investigate Hotel Florence. I'm looking for comfortable beds.

I hope we have as much fun in Venice as you and Todd.

Bookmarking. Going to Venice, hopefully!

What's next. Jill?From your photos, it looks like Lucerne.

Hey Happy! Next is Lake Como (Bellagio)

Stay tuned! Thanks for reading. I should have that trip report up soon.