Sunday was my last day in Venice and the trip back was massively long. I got the last ticket with miles, which they discounted the first class for me because of an issue with the booking. But it meant flying through Lisbon with a pretty sizeable layover...but more on that in a minute.
I got the alligator boat back to the airport. It was beautiful and sunny, so I got some great Vitamin D on the trip. I also got to see the Ascension day boat parade!!! That was really cool.
Now that's a boat - my weekend ride :)
The back of the boat parade as the alligator boat followed behind - I guess this means I was in the parade!
Boat parade
Festa e Regata della Sensa
Back in the days of the Venetian Republic, the doge would board the glorious state barge, the Bucintoro, and be rowed out to the island of Sant’Andrea. After he arrived, he would throw a gold ring overboard, to symbolise lo sposalizio del mare – Venice’s marriage with the sea.Today, the mayor does the honours, the Bucintoro looks like a glorified fruit boat and the ring has become a laurel wreath. The ceremony is now performed at San Nicolò, on the Lido, and is followed by a regatta. If it rains, local lore says it’ll tip down for the next 40 days. (‘Se piove il giorno della Sensa per quaranta giorni non semo sensa.’)
After that, it was straight to the lounge before the trip to Lisbon. I got this perfect shot from the plane of Venice - you can see the Grand Canal, St Mark's and the Doge's Palace!
After that, it was landing in just over Lisbon. Amazing view - can't wait to actually go.
After that, I had a 5 hour delay, which was delayed 30 minutes when I landed. I didn't think I had enough time to make it into Lisbon, enjoy something and get back. Turns out I did....because I watched my flight get delayed 4 more hours....which meant I landed in Amsterdam at 3AM, bags back by 3:45 and at home at 4:30. What a trip...and work the next day!!
All in all, Venice was great. I rank it above Milan, below Rome, but loved it.
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