Venice 2 Prague

We had booked our flight with Czech Airlines...a no-frills airline similar to Australia's Jetstar and Virgin. When checking in with CA, the ever-cognissant HL decided I needed a distraction during the one hour plus flight across treacherous rocky terrain...he booked me a window seat. As we flew overhead like angels floating above the 'Queen of the Adriatic', I caught an awe-inspiring view of the unique waterways and lagoon landscape, Venice in all its glory crowned by neighbouring islands. It struck me how small the city really is...such a possie on the plane is highly recommended!

Farewell Venice

After the most glorious week in Venice filled with blue skies and sun-drenched days the city had quenched my barren soul. I simply wanted to melt into its buildings and stay forever...but alas...when you are a hapless traveller with a limited time span...a new city always beckons.

Leaving the City of Water

We were sad to leave Venice but the heart-wrenching departure was tempered by our luxe transport to Marco Polo airport via Albergo All Angelo's private motor launch. As we snaked our way through the brooks and canals and out to open water past Murano island we caught an intimate glimpse of this great sinking beauty. The boat trip was a real treat and worth the 70 euros.

My lovely mask maker

Naturally I was disappointed when I discovered Mondonovo was closed for holidays (see previous blog) but my spirits lifted when I discovered this gem along Calle Dei Saoneri (not far from Campo Santa Margherita). The mask maker was busily painting his masterpieces and kindly signed my mask. It now hangs happily on the corner of my oversized gilt-edged mirror in my dining room. An added bonus was the cost of 13 euro compared to one of the more elaborate masks from the Mondonovo atelier which would be been more than 10 times the price. For opera buffs I would still recommend buying a mask from Mondonovo. After all, Lovato (mask maker and proprietor of Mondonovo) is a highly esteemed master of his trade; it was Lovato who was called in to oversee reconstruction of the sculptures and reliefs in the Fenice Theatre (Teatro La Fenice) when it was burned to the ground in 1996. (Recommended reading: The City of Fallings Angels" by John Berendt)

That Table at which Peggy sat!

Yep, this is the famous table that Peggy Guggenheim reserved for her friends; according to the lads at All Angelo she also was often accompanied by her 12 dogs. The location is Albergo Ristorante All Angelo, Calle Larga S. Marco, 403 - 30124 Venezia. http://www.ristoranteallangelo.it/