Last Day in Venice

Friday already! Wow, the week went much quicker than we thought. Last full day for us in Venice today and it was a hot one.
I went to the bakery and supermarket in the morning to get stuff for brekkie. 

The lady at the bakery is quite the character. And I mean it in the most well-meaning way. She's maybe in her late 50s, doesn't speak any English, wild shock of short gray hair and glasses as thick as ashtrays.
I said "Quattro panini, per favore." which I thought was pretty much correct Italian until she started telling me about the different fillings of the croissants.
Eventually we agreed that I wanted panini and not one but four.
She smiled her genuine happy smile as she handed me the correct change and I said my thanks and left. Gets me in a good mood these little brief encounters with people that are just different.

Left the apartment around 11 to pick up chanterelle mushrooms (learning from the nice lady at the veg stall that there are male and female ones, who knew!) and parsley, then bimbled along the waterfront East towards the public gardens. 

It was definitely busier today and also really hot despite the thermometer only showing 24C. No wonder we opted for Mojitos instead of coffee when we had a wee break at a bistro.

The park was a bit of a disappointment, but walking along the waterfront was quite nice around there. Lots of runners around, probably just as happy for some shade as we were.

The ferry ticket for four stops to our next destination was 7.50, so instead we walked the 40mins to Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, joining the steady stream.of people again for most of the way. 

Two more churches we found on the way whilst devouring some more gelato.
Chiesa di San Moisé and Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio. 

The basilica was impressive from the outside for its sheer size. You can see it far and wide. We were a bit "churched out" by now, but entry was free and it was quite nice.

With legs getting heavier we made the long way back with a stop at the train station to get tickets for Verona tomorrow and another stop a Al Timón bar for cichetti and drinks. Really love this way of starting the evening. Wine and little bites by the canal just chilling and people watching.

Cooked up a nice risotto with our mushrooms and parmesan and white wine. Another lovely dinner with fresh market fare and just inspired by the food we found on our holiday. I'm definitely taking home some new ideas!