Today is our last day in Venice which is very sad. We’ve had a fabulous time. Last night we splashed out on an evening cruise along the Grand Canal and around some of the other islands. Provided were aperitifs, prosecco and some kind of yummy white cocktail.
The boat was operated by a couple of staff from the hotel, the porter and the room service guy. I think they multipurpose as we saw them helping out at breakfast, checking minibars, moving luggage, everything except reception basically.
They were hilarious, obviously enjoying themselves with a glass of the bubbly and a cocktail.

One was wearing his porters uniform and it was really amusing to be riding along the canals being served cocktails by a guy in full formal attire complete with gold braid. They let the booze flow and all eight passengers had a really fun time. Cost €25 each which was money well spent. The trip was supposed to be 60 minutes but we were all having such a good time it stretched on to 2 hours. We were the only English speakers on board but it didn’t seem to matter.

After we returned to our hotel we headed out looking for an authentic back street trattoria and the one we chose was certainly off the beaten track, down a very dark alley.

We both had fettuccine with lobster and lived to tell the tale. It actually was delicious and we enjoyed a gelato on our way back to our hotel.

Today we had breakfast, packed and checked out but left our bags with reception as our train doesn’t depart Venice San Lucia station until 8pm tonight. We wandered the alleyways again ending up back at the train station. I took a pic of it. The station is on the right….

And also a pic of the sight as you leave the station and walk out into the gorgeous chaos…

We are now sitting in the hotel salon in the lovely aircon, (it’s over 30° today and very humid) relaxing and waiting to take a vaporetta back to the station tonight.

We’ve had such a great time here. All the Italians we have met have been good natured and fun. I have been surprised to rarely hear any English speaking tourists. It’s mainly been European languages spoken.
It has been a pleasant surprise to be part of the good humour. Maybe it’s just highlighted after a couple of days in Hong Kong where the vibe is completely different.