Yves (Eve) picked us up at exactly 12:00. What a great ride Isabelle prepared for us. We raced through the city of Nice, Yves safely transported us to the EasyJet airlines. I want to do the same sort of convenience for anyone who has a Tempe Sister City connection and contact. Anyways, we got off fine. as Yves dropped us off in the KISS and FLY lane..lol!)..We had to stand in a long line but once they opened another line, we got through it quickly enough. We boarded and once there we ordered a beer and some nice dry snacks. The flight was short and easy but as we got ready to land, all of a sudden the pilot quickly pulled up and he as SKYBOUND again! He said there was a WIND SHEER that he was trying to avoid. We were all a little confused, as we just missed our correct landing time, until the pilot announced what had happened. I guess we are ALL thankful that the pilot decided to do whatever it took to av
oid that problem. So, we went completely around the island another time and then landed finally about an hour later.It was raining as we were circling the airport but when we finally landed safely, the sun came out to greet us! Unbelievable how the sunshine has followed us everywhere for the last 3 weeks. We boarded a bus and were transported to the terminal and picked up our bags. Then and went across in search of a bus. We were a bit frantic because since the plane was so late, it really made it challenging for us to get to our scheduled tour of Venice! The bus situation was confusing, as there were 2 different bus lines, and Diane thought it was one bus and I thought it was another bus. Well, Diane was right and because we faltered with our decision for a moment, the bus took off. So we had to buy tickets for the OTHER bus and jumped on. It was a little bit sketchy to say the least... a few of the people who boarded made us a tad uncomfortable. But, we reached our destination rather quickly, jumped off the bus and literally ran down the street towards our Airbnb vacation home.
Ended up at 122 Via Piave, which was our final destination. Luigi answered the door to his incredible home and let us in. We quickly explained our problem about being so late, and how should we get to the bridge for our tour and asked if he would call us a taxi... and Luigi immediately said, "I will take you!" And so we jumped in his car, ran over and Diane and I got off and went looking for the bus transportation (or water boat). Luigi warned us that it would take 30 minutes on the water boat to get to our destination of the Academia Bridge.
It was already after 6 when we got to the water taxi terminal to purchase our tickets, and we missed the first water bus. It looked like time was slipping away from us, and there was no way we would make our tour. I called the Viator company and explained our dilemma and he said he would TRY to get a hold of the tour director. If not... we could get a refund. Well, luck was with us again, because, against all odds, we made it! It was EXACTLY 6:30 pm as we were pulling up to the Accademia Bridge, and I saw groups of people ready for a tour. We RAN off the boat and up to our tour guide, and she counted us in! Absolutely amazing that we made it. But it NEVER would have happened without the help of our host, Luigi. Thanks so much Luigi!!
Our tour guide handed out earphones and a portable system that we wore around out neck that amplified her voice. We went on about a 90 minute tour around some of the more secluded and less traveled byways of Venice. Diane and I were in awe as we took in the city complete surrounded by water. Every "street" was water up to the doorsteps. Colorful houses and beautiful greenery and flowers complimented the watery streets. As we walked we were given interesting facts and also folklore about the people and history of Venice. Most fascinating! We walked all around the city, traversing over a few of the over 400 bridges that are in Venice. We viewed churches, public buildings, homes, historical sites, and many, many gondolas and boats. 
Because we were in such a rush from the airport, and then straight to our tour, Diane and I had not eated in HOURS! We were starving as we walked along with the tour, trying to keep our mind on what our guide was saying, and NOT on our growling stomachs. Lol. After the walking tour part was complete, we still had a 35 minute gondola ride. It was delightful to be sitting in this unique type of watercraft. Did you know that gondolas are made asymetrical and custom made to the specific gondola driver? Well, they are! Another interesting fact is that they cost from 30-40 THOUSAND euros!! When our relaxing ride was over, we docked and Diane and I immediately found the first restaurant we could and sat down to get some food. We were sooooo hungry!
Then it was time to try to find a way back to the home we were staying in. We went to the nearest vaporetto, or water taxi port and waited for a boat. We could not find where to purchase a ticket and figured we would just buy one on board. The first boat was NOT the right one, so we continued to wait. The second boat that came was right, and we clamored aboard with a few others. The sun was set by then and it was beginning to get dark. As we rode along, no one came to ask us for tickets.
So, we just didn't have to get one. We counted off the drop offs until it was our stop. We got off with no altercations.
Then, off to the bus. again... no ticket booth, no ticket to be had... We found someone on board who knew our exact exit, and followed his advice (for the most part...) lol. The most important thing is that we arrived home safely by about 11 p.m.
I tried to blog, but it had been a long and stressful day, so I just bagged it and said, "I'll do it tomorrow!" Ciao and goodnight from Venice. OK... Done! Enjoy our fabulous day.
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