In 2009, we visited John and Marcia in Venezia after a wonderful week in the Loire Valley.  In addition to spending time on the Giudecca, we planned a four-day trip to the Valpolicella region to taste wine.  John and Marcia have two Siamese cats but lost their cat sitter, so the cats joined us in the fun.  Before we left Venezia, my Italian teacher, Francesca and family joined us for a meal.  When we returned to Venezia, watch the start of the Giro d'Italia bike race.  I Also spent some nice time on the water with John.