Culture, Cuisine and Chasing the Lights

[mrs.dr.ron]

-19 !!!! Holy Cow Amaroo that is going to be cold. :shock:

 

[Flying mermaid]

-19 !!!! Holy Cow Amaroo that is going to be cold. :shock:

I thought exactly the same thing!

 

[love_the_life]

I think the word 'brisk' may not do it justice. Break out the thermals.

 

[amaroo]

Looking good! Fingers crossed...

 

[ellen10]

Oh wow the weather gods are looking after you, clear skies!!

 

[love_the_life]

Looking good for viewing but I don't want to put a kibosh on it (I tend to have bad luck when it comes to such things so would hate for it to rub off onto you)

 

[amaroo]

Mission Accomplished

Sensational night... we were very lucky as we only needed to drive for around an hour towards the coast. Some nights you have to drive 3/4 hours (one way) into Finland

The night was capped off when a few whales decided to pop up. Listening to them breathing while the lights were dancing above - Perfect!

As suspected the iPhone was totally useless... our guide had the professional gear and took a ton of photos.

I'll get access to them on the weekend and will try to post. Might have to wait until we get home.

Highly recommend doing a private tour... having your own guide was pretty special as all the photos are yours. Unless you're an expert with top equipment, and know how to set the camera - select a guide that does it all for you.

Very happy

 

[love_the_life]

Wow, that's fantastic. Can't wait to see the pics.

 

[Pushka]

Nice work. Clearly something magic with the whales.

I am thinking - many of our treasured memories of travel involve animals - its the randomness and surprise I guess.

 

[UpInTheAir:)]

Awesome! So happy for you amaroo! When we went we had the 4 hour drive to Finland.. Still great though

 

[amaroo]

Ok, back to Venice.

Museo Correr https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_Correr

Tip - this is a good way to beat the long queue into Doge's Palace. Head here first and purchase tickets for both. Interesting place with fast track benefits.







Before hitting Doge's Palace - we hit Florians.

 

[amaroo]

The good stuff...

 

[amaroo]

Doge's Palace https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doge's_Palace

This place is impressive - well worth the time to visit. The line up was massive, but thanks to the fast track tip (see above) we went straight in

 

[amaroo]

We decided it was time to have some pizza, so it was Aciugheta for lunch http://www.aciugheta.com/Aciugheta/index.htm

This place is owned by a fellow who has a few restaurants in Venice, including the Michelin * IL Ridotto









Nice casual meal, would be happy to break bread here again.

 

[Flying mermaid]

Didn't you just love the hot chocolate at Florian's? Best I have ever had I think! I loved the Doge's palace as well - we did two private walking tours and our guide had fast access to all the sites. She was just so informative of the government structure in Venice - incredibly progressive for its time.

 

[love_the_life]

Waiting patiently Amaroo

 

[amaroo]

Didn't you just love the hot chocolate at Florian's? Best I have ever had I think! I loved the Doge's palace as well - we did two private walking tours and our guide had fast access to all the sites. She was just so informative of the government structure in Venice - incredibly progressive for its time.

Agree on both points.

Waiting patiently Amaroo

Been distracted ... will get back on the job.

 

[amaroo]

Last night in Venice, decided to try a restaurant recommendation we received from a local.

Ristorante Al Covo http://www.ristorantealcovo.com/web/menu/alla_carta.aspx

Lovely meal - worth a second visit.

 

[amaroo]

A freebie - Grappa overdose

 

[amaroo]

Stunning scenery on our walk back to the Gritti.