June 25, 2014

Arrived in Venice right on time at 9 a.m.  Went through passport control quickly then headed to get my luggage. Had both my bags by 9:25.  Bought my bus ticket for 6 euros and walked out to the curb loaded my bags and the bus was on its way.  Got to the hotel at 10 a.m.

I knew I had truly arrived when I saw the international symbol across from my hotel.

I am staying at the Hotel Plaza Mestre.  My room was ready, so I headed on up, put on my jammie's and slept for a couple hours.  Nice hotel, good price and safe area.  Free internet too. Thanks to Scott for pointing me in the right direction.  (He and Lynn are staying here before they get on the ship July 12)

Hung out for a while then decided it was time to go get my 10,000 steps in for the day.  So I headed across the street to the train station and bought my train ticket for 1.25 euro.  Boarded the train about 15 minutes later for the ride into Venice. (Got over 13,000 steps in today)

The first amazing thing I saw was the shipyard Fincantieri where the Disney Magic was built back in 97/98:

Shortly thereafter I saw the Disney Magic docked in her berth.  She arrived at 730 am this morning. Those guests get off tomorrow morning, then we get on.

The train ride was only about 10 minutes long and then we arrived.  I headed from Plaza Roma to the Rialto Bridge window shopping along the way.  It was cloudy and a very light mist was coming down.  Not enough for an umbrella but enough for a bad hair day.  Got to the Rialto Bridge and got my picture with Olaf.  Olaf is wearing his venetian hat to celebrate his arrival in Venice. 

Then we headed to the other side of the bridge  because Olaf wanted to check out what kinda Frozen merchandise the Disney Store had in Italy.  They had no Olaf's.  The cast members loved my talking Olaf. I ended up taking pictures with Olaf, Anna, and Elsa.

After that we tried to find this place that had been recommended for great pasta called Alfredo's.  Finally found it. It has take out only and was a little hole in the wall.  They were busy.  I ordered spaghetti and it was incredible.  Had some green olives in it.  They make the pasta and then cook it fresh there.  My late lunch was 7 euros.  It was enough for 2.  I may go back in 10 days when I spend the day in Venice again.  I'll probably get lost getting there though.  It was hard to find.

After that walked by this little place.  There is something I always wanted to do since seeing it on The Amazing Race....a fish pedicure!  I got 10 minutes for 10 euros.  I loved it.  You couldn't tell it was fish. It felt like a small vibration on your feet.  The place was called Dr. Kiss fish.  The fish were special, they were imported from Turkey.

After that did a lot more walking around to get my steps in before heading back.  I stopped at one bakery and couldn't resist buying a pistachio cookie.  I am saving it for tomorrow.

My last purchase of the day would be my favorite....lemon gelato.  I took a selfie for the gelato pic juat for Jamie.  Jamie and I got our gelato fix each day on our Europe trip last year. Miss her, wish she and Quentin were here!  Love you guys!

Then another bakery showed up and I just had to. Take a picture of this meringue cookie.  I can't imagine eating all that sugar.  It was huge. Didn't buy, just had to have a pic.

 Then came across the Farmer's Market where they were selling fresh fruit and vegetables:

Got back to. plaza Roma and got on the train for another 1.25 euro and saw the Magic again and the shipyard.

Got back to the hotel about 8:30 pm and it is now after 10 pm so hopefully I can fall asleep and be on Italy's time schedule.

Michael arrives in the morning and he is coming to the port straight from the airport.  He lands at 8:30 so he should be to the port by 10 am if he doesn't have to make too many stops (like purchasing a sewing machine LOL) 

Can't wait to reconnect with all my friends on the Magic.