We checked out of Kempinski San Clemente Palace following breakfast and took the short water taxi ride to the JW Marriot Resort and Spa on its own nearby island. Our suite, ultra modern, was available on our arrival so we checked in then caught the 10.00am water shuttle to Venice St Lucia Railwa6 Station and to catch the 10.50am Frecciarossi Train from Venice to Verona a trip of 72 minutes. Just fantastic train and we sat with 2 young women from Mexico in Car 11 seats 4a and 5a. Talked at length as their holiday and the trip passed quickly.

But as we travelled the weather deteriorated into a cold blustery storm with heavy consistent rainfall.

We exited the station intending to join the Hop on Hop off bus from the station. But due to the storm and persistent rainfall, the se4vice was cancelled with no recommencement scheduled.

We were faced with a choice, to push on but in terrible conditions or return by an earlier train to Venice, hopefully ahead of the storm. So we abandoned our visit and took an earlier slower train back to Venice St Lucia. But as we arrived back in Venice light rain commenced and this subsequently transitioned into a fully blown dramatic storm.

Jeanette and I decided to walk back along the glorious Grand Canal towards St Marks Square, but the weather only continued to get worse as we slowly trudged through the myriad of side tracks, crossing bridges etc.

We made a wrong turn, Ken’s poor direction, and this added another 10 minutes, so we missed the Marriott Shuttle back to the island and hotel so we were caught in the very worst of conditions trying to shelter for the next 40 minutes until the following shuttle would arrive. It was just terrible, we were wet and tired.

Then the shuttle arrived and we made in back despite a choppy ride.

Later Ken went back into St Marks and then walked to Vivaldi’s Church where the concert was scheduled for 8.30pm.

He then found a small restaurant where there was a smaller group at a table all attending the concert and this table of 10 was put together and a meal was served at cost of €17 plus drinks. They were an interesting group.

The hours Concert was simply brilliant with and extraordinarily gifted solo violinist supported by 6 other musicians.

Well worth the trouble to visit despite the horrendous weather, but Ken had to get back to the shuttle and there was @ high tide and water flooded the square and walkways do had to walk along the raised walkways put in place this afternoon and early evening.

The ferry arrived but docked at the nearby alternative MS St. Marco wharf. Ken arrived home at 10.50pm and whilst still pouring rain the wind had diminished. A challenging day. The concert was one of the holiday highlights.