Day 2 - and our first day as actual tourists...
Rather than walk to the train station we opted to board our tour bus at the closest stop on the route. Having been unsuccessful at reaching anyone at our European contact number, we took off for what the hotel assured me was a mere 10 minute walk. Either they walk fast or know some shortcuts for about 30 minutes later we located San Marco square and waited for the bus...and waited...and waited. I then attempted to use a public phone but when I selected "help" all the instructions were in Italian! We gave up and decided to then walk to the train station where we happened to finally find our red two-storied bus. Off on the tour which was short and quick but informative and enjoyable. We also discovered we can use the pass again tomorrow and take tour B which goes into the surrounding countryside. We have met some lovely locals, seen breathtaking sights, and marveled at the blending of 700 year old history with modern updates into one of the most magical cities I have ever visited. EVERYTHING I read in preparation of this trip has proven true and we are only on our second day. We've done a small bit of shopping, a great deal of looking, and gawked as only tourists can. We've been inside churches, in outdoor markets, seen the only surviving bridge of WWII, and petted every dog on a leash I encountered! Bridget has mastered many Italian phrases and is our self-appointed tour guide. Now, if she could just slow down for her grandmamma!
We ate lunch (our main meal of choice on the trip) at a tiny pizzeria in one of the MANY squares (piazzas) we found today. Again it was incredible. A single serving pizza on a paper thin crust with vegetables, light cheese, and a skimming of an amazing tomato sauce. I helped Bridget with her's.....definitely not a single serving. The portions are huge over here so we have shared each of our two meals.
My only regret is my coffee; I miss it. A cup of "American coffee" is served in a tea cup of sorts, half full, lukewarm, and at an average cost of 2.25 Euro or nearly $3.00. I buy one a day and fill up at breakfast. Here Cappachino is Italian coffee and not what it is in the States; the hotel graciously delivers us each one each evening as we return.

Tomorrow we are off for another tour and then some museum visits...and most likely a bit more shopping.