Fri, March 26 Venice- On the coach from Innsbruch to Venice was very scenic. Snow-topped mountains and villages with miles and miles of vineyards. Our first stop in Italy-free restrooms.  Since London, there has been a 50 cent charge to use the restrooms except in hotel rooms. The Itallians are so"generous".
The sign at the entrance to the facilities says: Save your tips; just give our facilities respect"-and if you don't...well, you've seen what happened in The Godfather!

Venice----I hate it The day was dreary, cold and overcast. We boarded a water taxi to transport our group from the lagoon to the canals. Upon arriving in San Marco Square, there were tons of cheesy souvenir stands and thousands of tourists. We had a tour of Murano glass blowing plant which was
interesting. Some went on gondola rides, I didn't. The day seemed rather wasted. At 6 we boarded the taxi back to the mainland and to the Antony Hotel for dinner.

I hate this espresso and all their coffee here. I just want a normal cup of American coffee, which was 5 bucks in Venice. Even their idea of cafe Americano is bad. It consists of black, black coffee with boiled milk at the top that quickly sinks to the bottom and then becomes espresso(mud, poison....)

Needless to say, Fri. was not a good day for me. Leaving Sat. a.m. for Rome. It is a 5 hour drive, which I am not looking forward to.