Our morning in Brescia was delightful. The sky was pink out our window.

We took an early walk to the Roman ruins right in the city. This forum area is mostly from the first century AD. I kept thinking to myself–this is more than two thousand years old!

And then it was time to head to Venice. Our drive to Venice was a breeze, a bit more than 2 hours. We were able to return the car with no waiting (Venice in late October) and found the same uncrowded scene at the little office where we renewed our residence cards for the next 5 years. We will be back!

We took the 5.2 vaporetto and I was feeling so thrilled to be back here. Is all of this Italy travel just a ruse to get me back in Venice? Why do I feel like my soul is meant to be here? I don’t know, but it sure feels great. Even in the fog. The ever-lovely Elisa met us at Fondemente Nuove to help carry a suitcase over the bridge and we were home. Elisa had left many special things for us, including a new full length mirror in the bedroom and a homemade torta rustica, which we ate for lunch. Delizioa. Really.

One of my dear childhood friends, Andy, and another friend, his travel buddy, Donna, are staying in the apartment across the hall. So there was lots of excitement and talk, talk talk. Finally we took off for a walk to San Marco. First stop was at the Pupa bar for a quick coffee and hello and then to Ca d’Oro for gelato–nocciola for me–fantastico!

Piazza San Marco was so manageable with way less crowds than usual. I was again struck with overwhelming contentment. Yes! Venezia!

We walked down the Riva a bit to the Bridge of Sighs and it was pretty thick with tourists.

We continued on through Campos Santa Maria Formosa and Giovanni e Paolo, walking back home along the lagoon. Ken and I went over to the Coop for a few supplies and got some fruit from our nearest produce stand. (Yes, Amy, he did seem less surly this year, at least today) .

For dinner, Donna’s choice–Paradiso Perduto, on Fondamente Misercordia. It was very busy and all the tables were booked but somehow Donna got us a great spot with the promise that be finished by 9:00. We all shared a wonderful vegetable antipasto. I had the frittura which was just shrimp and calamari but nicely fried and salty. The rest of the meal was mostly unremarkable.

Walking home in the foggy Venice night was just right.