Venice   

      I'm here in Venice. Got a nice room over looking the Rio Del Tinton, all Canals start with Rio. I'm staying at the San Cassiano Ca Favretto, a 14th century Palace.

      Had fun on the Gondola, then I sat outside with some great lamb sandwich, salad and a cold drink. Weather is grand here. Venice flooded in the 40s and 60s, but the dams they installed now protect them. Venice is over 1400 years old and was built from a Malaria ridden swamp.

      Supper was Tagliatelle(crab) and asparagus tips with a great pudding, salads, wine was Guicciiardin Strozzi. Today I visited Umbria atvAssisi to the church of Saint Francis Assisi patron Saint of animals. Celebrated Oct 4th. Built his church here and is buried here also. Later a larger church was built and enclosed his church.

      Back in Venice got a nice room at the Franson Hotel Manin over looking the Grand Canal and the Rialto Bridge, can see the Adratic Sea. Hotel furnished a plane tour over all the canals. Never seen so many canals in one area, and so many bridges crossing them.

      Another Gondola ride and to the side walk café for Ham and cheese, stuffed rice, tomato, olives, beef, rolled in a ball and fried. The wine I had was Ombra means(Shadow) very light not to sweet.

      Well tonight me last day, went to the Alla Botte Pub, with a small bottle of Soave had fried potatoes, ham, fried prawns, and lobster.

      Time to head for Poland.