Yesterday we had our first full day here. Mass in our local church Santa Maria Di Salute and then lunch in a very local very expensive restaurant – we shan’t be going back. I went for an exploratory walk while Jacek had a nap and rested his foot, ready for the afternoon’s saunter.

We got to the church early thinking it would be crowded. It wasn’t. Such a contrast with Palm Sunday in Athens when the mainly Filipino congregation joyously jostled for seats, moving around and chatting with everyone.

We saw many images of the Madonna in various fairly unexpected places.

Walking around I came across the wonderful Fortuny silk shop. I went in thinking I might get myself a bargain. Really? Of course not. But they did let me take some photos.

Then back outside. It wasn’t very hot so I went inside a cool looking doorway in the old abbey cloisters of St Gregory’s church. There was an exhibition of Islamic Hajj architecture as part of the Venice biennale. Some interesting things

Outside some bizarre things in shop windows.

This last picture I took in memory of my trip to Venice when I was 22. My friend Stephen was. Desperate to buy the biggest and gaudiest plastic gondola for his nieces. I can’t remember if he actually did – I considered it now, but they are well into their fifties now, so probably wouldn’t appreciate it.

Anyway. Enough of my afternoon walk. More to come in the evening.