Serenissima Repubblica di Venezia

Day 2 started with a dozen or so of these wonderful things called Cafe Americano: strong coffee and warm milk.

The title of today's post is based on the name of the Republic of Venice.  Venice was known for not only ruling the Mediterranean, but also for Serenity...  We thought we'd sneak in for a visit, but are now drawn into the City each day.  Tonight we relived a memorable meal at the Agli Alboretti we had in 1990.  We asked the owner for a typically Venetian meal, and we treated to a three hour treat of courses... Four courses is the minimum.  The proprietors still run the attached hotel, and the restaurant although under new owners, continue to treat food with care and skill.   Artichoke pudding, handmade pastas w eggplant and smoked ricotta, branzino with marjoram gnocchi and asparagus creme,  Apple walnut cake w hot vanilla sauce, etc.

The other highlight for the day was figuring out how to "activate" the Beamer's Nav system.  Success, without the €15 per day.  OMG - we would never have made it through the Veneto today without it.  It also helps to spell the City correctly.  One wrong vowel and you could be hundreds of kilometers the wrong way.   We located next week's villa in the stunning town of Asolo.  Home to many famous people and poets over time because Asolo looks wonderful from below, from within, and looking from the town center across to tha Adriatic Sea.

The driveway to the villa...

...and somehow made it back to Venice via dozens of back roads, hundreds of roundabouts.  The history and architecture are amazing, and some things still suit the old days... Such as the customary European toilet.

Did you know you can surf Facebook while driving a tractor?  Why not.  Americans do it in the passing lane of the highway every day. 

Easter Monday is a holiday too.  Everything is closed.  And ATMs hard to find and come w warnings....

Tomorrow is a day of rest and some more Venice before we do some serious sightseeing.