"Venice in October"...
 

If there's no song by that name, there should be! This report won't be set to music, but I do want to tell about two beautiful days last week (or maybe 10 days ago). <BR>When we planned our trip, we knew we wanted to see Tuscany and the Cinque Terre. After talking, studying, and Forum-searching, we added two days in Luzern. And then we decided to go back to Venice, the only repeat destination on our itinerary. When we went to Venice for the first time two years ago, we were, like nearly everyone, charmed. But we both felt that with the rush to see and do the "important" things we had missed something in Venice--just strolling, looking, listening, sipping wine and coffee, and just getting to know this remarkable place. We wanted to spend our time this year doing just that. <BR>Anyway, this is our little stay in Venice: <BR>We stayed at Hotel Ateneo, a short walk from San Marco. To say this hotel is well-hidden may be an understatement. Although I had what I thought were well-marked maps (and John had bought some stronger glasses for reading them), I don't think we would ever have found it without some help from friendly locals. But the Ateneo was fine (three star), with a small but nicely furnished room overlooking the small garden area. We seemed to be the only English-speakers staying there. The staff members were helpful and the breakfast was good. <BR>Before we set off on our wanderings, we had to go to San Marco--like paying our respects to the hostess at a big party. Sure enough, the Piazza was as beaautiful and enchanting as remembered. <BR>Then we did just as we planned, walking and looking, staying lost a good part of the time. <BR>We had a really good dinner the second night at Trattoria Antica Carbonara near the Rialto. (that name doesn't look quite right, but it's what John has in his journal) We shared an appetizer of small clams in wonderful garlic-y olive oil. I had grilled scampi, also good. <BR>When we left the hotel very early to take the train to Siena, we walked though the deserted little calle with the mist blowing about, and our footsteps must have been heard for miles! It was all so dream-like, so Venetian... <BR>These were two uneventful, but totally unforgettable days. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Dear Byrd, <BR>I love hearing about Venice because <BR>I love it so much myself. <BR>Any more details you can give me about your hotel, either here or via email would be welcome so I can keep it in my files: address, phone or fax #, rates, would be appreciated. Elevator? <BR>

Hi Byrd, glad you had a good trip. We sure did. Mail me with details, love to hear about it! Stephen

Hi Elaine: Check out the Hotel Ateneo at italyhotel.com/venezia/ateneo/. Be sure to click on (and I quote exactly) HAVE A FUN WITH ACQUA ALTA (high tide/fludding)! No, there's no elevator, but we managed. I was delighted when he told us our room was on the first floor, until I remembered that the first floor in Europe is really the second floor... I think we paid 380,000 lira. When we made our reservations in July, so many hotels recommended on this forum were full for October, that we were happy to find the Ateneo. And the location really is great-easy walk to San Marco as well as the Rialto area. On our trip to Venice in 1997, we stayed at the Bellini, which is practically next door to the train station, and "nicer" than the Ateneo, with elevator, larger lobby and dining room, etc., but we wanted a more central location this time. Yes, we love Venice, too! <BR> <BR> <BR>

Stephen--I'm planning to mail you details on our trip as soon as I get organized! We are so enjoying your postings, so keep them up! <BR> <BR>Byrd