Venice

We spent a night on the boat when we arrived in Venice, the ship came up one of the canals it is amazing how nimble those big boats are in confined spaces.  We got ourselves sorted and disembarked at 9.30am the next morning,  we got a water taxi to our hotel, very kool ride along narrow canals lined with old buildings. The hotel was on a canal just a couple of streets from  St Marks Square.  We took a guided tour through the streets including a vist to the Doges Palace which is borded by St Marks Square and the grand canal.
Venice is a magical city built on wooden piles that petrify over the years. It was amazing to see the high tide bubble up through the streets and the squares and campos (small squares).  Venetians are very friendly, but we did see the police chasing a guy who pinched a lady's bag right in front of us. We flagged the gondola ride and decided that Glenda need some jewellery instead.  We ate at some really authentic  restaurants and really felt the Venetian atmosphere.   We strolled around the streets and canals in the evening as it was  still light till about 10 oclock. At this time the crowds had died away but most of the shops were still open and it was the best time to see and feel Venice. 
Funny story, on the first day the hotel said they has a complimentary water taxi to Marano island to vist a glass factory. Why not I thought,  we arrived at the back door to this factory and were shown a demonstration of glass blowing, vey similar to Burning Issues at the town basin in Whangarei. Once the demo was over we were then shown into the showroom,  45 minutes later we  escaped with Glenda buying a necklace,  after been offered €35k chandeliers,  €15k sculptures,  €3k vases. Why did I not take heed,  there is no such thing a  a free lunch !!!
When we left Venice were fascinated when we went to the airport to discover the other Venice,  the one onland which seemed very normal, cars etc and it is where most Venetians live.  Venice is a wonderful destination.   Dave I hope your maintenance on you outboard is better than they guy in one of the pictures attached.