1) In case you didn't realize it, gondolas are not as romantic as they seem. They come one after another under our hotel room's window, like a circus parade. The gondoliers are bored, noisy and flip cigarettes into the canal. Often the tourists are drinking wine or beer while they ride; and they get pretty boisterous.

2) You may eat at an Italian restaurant that isn't great, and I've done that plenty this week; but the pasta itself will always be perfectly cooked -- not over, not under.

(Photo courtesy of Gailor Large)