Ducati Motorcycle Factory Tour and...Venice!

Good Evening Everybody:
There was bright sunshine today, as we drove away from Villa Il Poggiale. Apparently the weather forecast is changing to nicer weather for the week, so we were glad about that since we're on our way to Venice today, and Monica ( at the desk), said "Venice can be an unpleasant place if the weather is bad!" Travel days are never days with a lot of fun in them...
We drove along the A1 autostrada to Bologna. It was a very busy highway. Cars don't signal, they drift in and out of lanes at 130 km/hr or so. Ron is really good at driving like an Italian, and keeping up with everyone else. The fast cars were driving at speeds of about 140-150km/hr. They came up behind you, and flashed their lights, which means Move Over! We enjoyed the fabulous, mountainous scenery on the way, although the drive was intense because of big trucks at different times.
If you love speed, this is the place for you to come and drive.
Earlier in the week, Ron emailed Ducati (motorbikes) to see if a tour was possible on our way to Venice. I had secretly hoped it would be all filled up, however, they replied yesterday, with a positive response for an 11:00 am English-speaking tour of the factory and the museum. So we arrived at the Ducati Factory in Bologna at 10:40 am. A large group of mostly males waited excitedly for the tour to begin, including Ron. The first question posed to the group was, "So! How many of you RIDE?" I tried not to roll my eyes.
I strongly encourage you to read up about Ducati, if you are interested. Ron really wants me to mention that all Ducati motorcycles are built by hand, and there are no robots in the factory. The factory employs 1,000 people. 120 bikes come put of this factory in low season everyday, and 240 bikes a day in high season. Canada and California are some of the biggest buyers in the world. Ducati also has a factory in Thailand and one in Brazil. A basic Ducati motorcycle costs 25,000 euros.
After the factory tour, we went into the museum. Ron took pictures of the bikes and we left at 1:00 pm. It was very warm as we walked back to our car and proceeded on our way to Venice.
As we drove on the Autostrada, leaving Bologna, the land turned quite flat - like prairie. We continued on our way to Padova. We drove by a sign that said, "Milan - 28 km. I looked wistfully in the direction thinking about "The Last Supper" by Leonardo Da Vinci, housed in Santa Maria delle Grazie Convent in Milan. "Maybe next time", I thought.
Soon we came to a sign that said Venezia 2.5 kms. We found a gas station, and filled the Fiat with diesel before returning it. Soon we drove into Venice and greeted by a sign which read "Bienvenue!" Welcome.
We found the the EuropCar Agency to return the Fiat. I should say, that although everything all sounds straight forward, it usually isnt. Often when we drive somewhere, it's convoluted and the signage can be confusing.(Ron thoroughly studies maps before we go anywhere, and then also has maps on the iPad, which have been photographed and can always be referred to.)
So, we returned the car at 4:15 pm, and are both looking forward to walking the streets of Venice for a few days. We dragged our suitcases to the Vaporetto (like a water bus). It makes about ten stops along the Grand Canal, alternating from one side the other. The vaporettos pick up loads of people: the locals, as well tourists loaded down with shopping bags, or suitcases(like us. These valporettas are jam packed. As it chugs along, I can see the Gondoliers steering their gondolas along the canal - carrying two or three excited tourists with cameras. We passed under the Rialto Bridge. Finally, we got off at the Ca'Rezzonico stop and walked the narrow streets to find Hotel Locanda San Barnaba, Venezia. We arrived and were shown our room on the second floor in this beautiful, old hotel. Our room has 2 tiny balconies which overlook a small inner canal, called Rio Malpaga. I can hear the water making lapping sounds up against the buildings!
We are about a five minute walk towards Piazza San Barnaba. There are three caffes on the piazza. We settled into our room and then walked down to Caffe Bar "Al Artisti" in the Piazza for a very cold glass of Pinot Grigio. After a long travel day, it was nice to relax at a table, listening to many different accents around us, and watching the loads of interesting people stroll by. There was a cool breeze. Church bells clanged (honestly). A very fat pigeon landed on our table.
Excited to have the opportunity to be in this glorious city once again, we left the caffe and went for a walk on our first evening in Venice...