Day 2 - the boat adventure has begun

“Sea-legs must be earned”

Highlights 

Food will always be on this list I think >> fresh fish of the day - gelato Strachiatella - and Beer with the locals.

Finally - a beach 

Storm of the century

Lessons

Selflessness is sometimes a lonely place

Gravol a very big win on this trip today 

International waters have a few laws to follow - including raising a flag of the country - respecting their waters

We had an early departure from Venice as the first leg of our journey to Grado was going to take about 6 hours. No slow transition to being a sailor... I found out that I’m needing to earn those stripes, although I wasn’t I’ll there was a brief moment of cold sweating and a single dry heave lol deep breathing some cold water and the horizon kept me together... 

We reached Grado early afternoon and after a brief lesson of throwing ropes and knots required we were set in the Marina! It’s was a relaxing day - simply enjoyed the beach and then went to the finest and freshest seafood restaurant recommended by Jose. It did not disappoint at all. I now know I should be taking photos of the menu so I can remember but I ordered a fish of the day with Polenta and a lovely sauce. It was incredible. As a group we shared a few appetizers and this one dish with a specific cheese. Another one that will stay in my memory for awhile. Every meal seems to be finished with a shot which is fine by me. Quite perfectly finishes a meal and makes the heat a bit less overwhelming. 

Jose took us to a local pub for a beer which was a perfect moment to enjoy the street culture and some

Conversation with the women I’m travelling with. They all seem to get along quite well as they are all teachers, I’m somewhat on the outside of their conversations but I’m learning to be happy with this. 

We returned to the boat, sneaking a Gelato on the way (my first of the trip - and now the first of many I think) and a beautiful storm rolled into the area. Constant lightning all through the night and a wonderful down pour giving reprieve from the hot days. I slept well finally. 

We set off! First day on a boat!

Made it to Grado! First day on a beach so far! (Mom - you will be happy to know I haven’t burnt yet! Tell grandpa too xx)

Little walk from the Marina to our restaurant - it was a lovely night 

My dinner - I wish I would have taken a picture of our appetizer but I’ve learned it was called Burrata (type of cheese I think) and here they served it with fish and wow I’m salivating thinking of it.

A pint with the locals at the Port Bar - yup I can read Italian now lol can you?

Mmm first Gelato amazingo

And there I will leave you - as I’m three days behind now - so today is a boat day and I have time to catch up... I would apologize but let’s be serious - if I’m behind posting it’s because I’m doing it right, right?