Venice Day 2

Woke up to birds chirping. Well, make that the Venice version of chirping bird - a loud pigeon cooing outside our window. Church bells ringing, it is Sunday. Cappucino and rolls for breakfast.
The sun was out! No rain! We walked all morning, and then Jim finally got his gondola ride! We bought sandwiches, drinks for lunch and went back to sit at the little tables in front of our B&B. After a brief rest, we walked through some old neighborhoods where we had stayed before and then over to the Rialto Bridge. Back at Piazza San Marco we went up the Bell Tower, got some great photos and then back down again before 5pm when the bells rang! 5pm - cocktail time! Sipping Campari and wine sitting in the piazza with the orchestra playing - a worthwhile splurge as Rick puts it!
New local restaurant tonight, Al Giardinetto. Being good backdoortravelers, we are staying away from the tourist places and going on the recommendation of staff from our B&B. We shared a seafood appetizer with calamari, octopus, snails, shrimp and some sea creatures we couldn' t identify. Jim had veal "alla Giardinetto" which was in a mushroom sauce. I had the typical calves liver and onions, Venezian style. It was wonderful, served with polenta. And again, we shared a plate of grilled vegetables. Oh, let's not forget the bottle of Valpolicella! Then we were off to San Marco, for a drink and to enjoy the orchestra for the last time. I surprised the waiter when I asked for Strega!
Written in Venice on Sunday, May 16, 2010: no internet access because Sandy is still too cheap to pay $6/day for wi-fi access. Off to Rome in the morning, where I will pay if it is not free.