Acqua Alta alarms are loud and insistent, and I was surprised to have slept through one this morning, after a very restless night.

We opened the shutters to an unusual sight – sunny blue skies, not a cloud in sight. You simply must make the most of these rare opportunities so despite the rising water we had a quick breakfast, found the vaporetto tickets, and off to catch the No. 1from Ca Doro to the Lido to enjoy the sunshine.

On the way to Ca Doro bus stop.

The boots are waterproof – so far!

The No. 1 was crowded with like-minded people, most going to Giardini to see the exhibitions of the Biennale. No excuses needed to hop on a vaporetto – any vaporetto – going down the Grand Canal.

Just an inch to the left?

The almost invisible man. Art for the Biennale is featured outside Palazzos all along the Grand Canal.

You can never have too many photos of Santa Maria de la Salute.

St Mark’s Square from the Grand canal. Packed with tourists, of course!

The Lido “bus stop” had been destroyed in the furious storm so buses, actual real buses with tyres, were provided to deliver everyone to the town centre.

After a bracing coffee, mine half spilled by a not-too-careful lady passing by, we strolled down the autumn-leaf strewn street to the famous Lido beach. The beach had of course been washed away in the furious storm. People driving tractors, and some with rakes were busy trying to bring things to rights, but I fear that their efforts may be in vain, as yet another large Acqua Alta is expected tomorrow.

Strolling down an autumn leaf strewn footpath on Lido. Lovely to be in the sunshine.

Back on the No. 1, this time to Accademia to see the old Masters exhibition in the Accademia Galleria. We spent a most pleasant hour admiring the works of such famous Italian artists as Tintoretto, Titian, Veronese, Lotto, Carpaccio….etc. … you get the drift.

Impressive. Even the girls’ braids are painstakingly detailed.

Eve giving Adam the apple.

It always pays to look up when you’re in an ancient building in Venice.

Then we headed home, Pete for his afternoon” Poppy Nap”, and me to my”knitting bag” of course. Our host is calling in later this evening to raise the fridge, settee and washing machine up on blocks in preparation of another inundation tomorrow.

We’re off to Padova on the train before high water, to do the tourist thing, and to dodge the floods for a while.

Dinner’s ready. Pasta of course, with a meatball and pomodoro sauce. Mmmmmm.

Ilze xo