Day 6: Creme del Doge

Last night, Amy and I watched the semi-finals of the Euro Cup at a restaurant in central Venice. People from off the streets crowded around wearing jerseys and face paint. The atmosphere was so much fun. Plus, the game was filled with excitement and we got to end the night with lots of cheering and celebration. The Italians sure were happy.

Today, we went to Ca D'Oro, the castle of gold. There wasn't really much gold in the castle but rather a lot of religious paintings. The paintings instead were only mediocre, but the palace had two beautiful balconies looking out over the grand canal and a courtyard (shown below.)

Then, we explored another area of Venice, Cannaregio. We ate at a local restaurants and walked around look at shops. There were tons of places filled with delicious treats!

Next, we went to a Chiesa de la Salute on the edge of the Grand Canal. Outside a group of art students were sketching and painting on the steps. All their art was amazing. We sat on the steps a while and Amy fed some of her chocolate pastry to the pigeons. I tried to get them to eat out of my hand but they didn't want to. We suspect they don't like chocolate that much. (pictures below)

Throughout the day we saw something being set up in San Marco's Square. We learned later on that a drink company founded in Venice, Aperol Spritz, was trying to set the new Guinness book world record by having the most number of people making a toast at once. The goal was to get 2000 people in orange shirts in the square all toasting their Aperol Spritz at once. Amy and I decided to participate and both got free orange shirts and sunglasses plus a free Aperol Spritz. Turns out Aperol Spritz is pretty gross. Nonetheless, we broke a world record!

Lastly, we went to Campo Santa Margarita for our daily gelato at one of the most highly recommended gelato places in Venice. I had the dark chocolate and a mixed berry while Amy had coffee and Creme del Doge, a orange chocolate mix filled with chocolate swirls and orange candies. We both voted for Creme del Doge as Flavor of the Day.