Siamo Arrivati

Left our house at 1 PM, delayed in Jacksonville, but still with enough time in Atlanta to go to both the American Express Centurion Lounge (great food, outdoor terrace, very commodious) and the Delta Lounge (mediocre food, overcrowded and needs a facelift). The flight attendants were lovely, the flight was smooth, and 9 hours later, we’re in Venice.

Really easy airport – no lines, well marked, bags arrived quickly. Small problem with the rental car – couldn’t get the GPS to talk in English – but 4 lovely Italian Hertz representatives sorted it out with many hand gesticulations and curse words.

Great roads into our northern sojourn into the Veneto. We’re staying at a lovely hotel that was built in the 1600’s, the home of Robert Browning in the 1800’s, purchased in the 1900’s by Rupert Guinness and turned into a hotel by the storied Giuseppe Cipriani. We checked in and crashed for a few hours.

Nothing like a gray day to make you want to nap. We awoke in time for cocktails and dinner, but not much exploring today. We planned it this way – we’re always exhausted and on the wrong time, so why not just cozy up and relax? Robes, hot baths, leisurely cocktails in the “American Bar” (that was decidedly British), and a lovely meal in elegant surroundings.

Brad drank the local Prosecco, I had my Carpano with orange, we discussed what we’d do tomorrow, looked over the concierge’s recommendations, made plans to see Giulio and relaxed into la dolce far niente.

When the weather breaks the views will be fantastic. I was happy to look at all the wonderful details of the Villa- well worn perfectly laid tiles, archways with exquisite woodwork, crisp linens, tuxedoed waiters, a life worth living.

We kept it regional for dinner, skipped dessert (and coffee), and hoofed it back upstairs for more puffy robes and fluffy pillows and turn down service with chocolates. Day One is complete. See you tomorrow over cappuccino.