Venice Day 1

We are off.  First plan of the day is to look at a map and see if we can figure out how to get where we want to go.  The original agenda changed since it is now important we find a place to do laundry.  This has become a new obstacle since the apartment we are renting does come with a laundry.  In Italy this means washer and no dryer after all we have hangers and a balcony.  On day 1, I attempted to do laundry; the challenges we faced in France were a breeze compared with Italy.  The washer will only hold 8 pounds of laundry (seems like a lot, not true!). Using Google to find the washer instructions and google translate to understand the different option, I am able to wash 2 loads of clothes.  The drying takes forever.  To save time trouble and get cleaner clothes our friends opt to take the laundry to Gabriella, who will wash dry and fold for $15 euro.  So our day begins.

Off to get a water taxi or vapporetto pass.  The machine at our stop will not accept credit cards,  this is a major issue since the second stop on our agenda is to find a bank.  We begin to walk, yes a sight to see 3 people following me with the iPad open following a map program, huffing and puffing carrying a large duffle bag filled with laundry.  I have to admit to a wrong turn even with the map but we arrive at Miss Gabriella's deposit the laundry, lunch and the bank.  Things are looking great off to the boat dock able to buy passes and not on to the island of Murano (known for its glass).

Of course we can't find the correct vapporetto stop and need to hike a few more miles, the good news is Verl one of our travel partners got his mapping program working so just a forever long walk but very little getting lost.  Why are there so many bridges and steps?

A sneak preview of what is to come in the next few days, remember laundry issues and vapporetto problems as this will be a recurrent theme.  Several days ago I mentioned all the rain and bad weather.  That has all changed.  The sun is out, humidity up due to the canals and all the water and we are sweltering.  Drinking tons of water, my hair is soaked, rain and cool weather in the mountains is looking very promising.