Checked into our hotel, The Hotel Continental on the Grand Canal, and went straight out for a walk to soak up the atmosphere!! Had to rug up, as it was 9 degrees, but omitted to take the umbrellas! Stopped for coffee ( yes .... coffee!!!) and enjoyed watching the boats go by while we sipped our espressos or cappuccinos! Wandered some more in the drizzling rain and then found a bar ... ( aaaarrhhhh ..... I hear you say .... that's more like it ....) and had a bottle of wine inside while watching the world go by. Clearly the gazillion tourist hustling by were far more sensible than us, having umbrellas and spray jackets to keep dry! However, any excuse for a drink and time to absorb the culture! Went back to the hotel for much needed showers and then out to dinner at a lovely little restaurant nearby. Of course, beers, Chianti, pizza, pasta and calzone were on our menu! Early night for us with sightseeing in the itinerary tomorrow! Buono notte!! Xx