Happy 22nd Anniversary

We woke up in the Emilian countryside to birds singing and fog along the forest around us. We ate and drank far too much last night, but it was a lovely memory.

We were abstemious at breakfast – no zabaglione on the cotechino. The food is luscious, but we’d had enough of it. As we were leaving, Charlie Bottura came in. He’s as adorable as he was on the Instagram show.

Off to Venezia! we dropped the car and hired a boat to take us into the city. Brad loved it.

The Pope was just here a few hours ago, it was the end of a long weekend, so Venice was hopping and the ride was sort of like dodgems.

The boatman rang our hotel, and a team met us at the dock to escort us to the hotel, 3 minutes away. I sort of felt like the Pope. Another hotel with a deceiving entrance.

Oh, and did I mention the bathroom with the radiant heat floor and towel warmers and heated toilet seat?

Scored once again.

We took a walk and I’m not much of a shopper, but there are some lovely, unique stores. I truly wish I had Cathryn’s genes right now, but I can’t seem to fritter away the day in a store.

We took full advantage of the complimentary bar and made Negroni’s in our suite. Massimo’s record collection inspired us, so we connected the Bang and Oleufson system and played a little jazz.

We asked about a gondola ride and Philipo arranged for one. As we dressed for the evening out, I remembered that I brought a bit of Chazy with me. She came to Venice on her 30th birthday and I still have the picture of her on a gondola that she framed and took with her for the next 40 years. There is one last drop of her favorite perfume, Quadrille, by Balanciaga, and I brought it with me and put it on.

Philipo escorted us to the gondolier, Alviso. Quiet magical night.

Dinner reservations were at the fine dining room at the hotel. We were seated and the menus presented….. 8 course tasting menu. No way. We couldn’t do another night like that. They graciously escorted us to the Cafe, where we ate a lovely, light meal (for Italians)

A walk around the piazza at night and it brings us right up till midnight. Snuggled in my warm robe and slippers while I write this and Brad sleeps soundly. I met Brad in 1986 – 38 years ago. We spent 8 hours a day together for 13 years and have been a couple for 25 more. A lifetime, if you’re lucky.

Noi siamo fortunati.