Vaporetto Cruising and

Palazzo Grassi

First of all, the cruising. We took a couple of long vaporetto rides today, just because it was such a nice day and Venice is so charming by boat. Both times we got great seats (in front and back) and decided just to stay on. We even went out to the Lido and back. The weather has been so perfect today, with bright sunshine and warmth, even out on the lagoon. I was in shirtsleeves all day!

We did of course get in some culture.
The highlight of the day was the Palazzo Grassi, another outlet of the Pinault Collection (of della Dogana fame). To think that France could have had this amazing collection of contemporary art if they had acted as swiftly as Venice did. Of course, seeing these intense works of today is so wonderful as contrasted with the old and gorgeously reconstructed buildings is a perfect combination. The first artwork you see is "Dancing Nazis," by Piotr Uklanski, which has a huge lighted disco floor a la Saturday Night Fever and then a wall full of movie stars dressed in Nazi uniforms. Hidden speakers play a selection of dance tunes. No one break danced when I was there, but it had that vibe. The collection is huge, including highlights from the Chapman Brothers again and Murakami.

I'm running out of time and haven't even mentioned a second trip to della Dogana, and yet another pilgrimage to Ca' Rezzonico to see the exquisite frescoes by Giandomenico Tiepolo. If you're planning a trip to Venice, Ca' Rezzonico should be on your must-do list.