I left Venice most reluctantly yesterday morning after 3 nights.
I flew into Marco Polo for the first time. I was on the left side, the right side had a view of the island as we landed, I saw the scenic outline of Mestre's industrial skyline. There's a booth with 2-3 agents at the entrance to the terminal selling all the transportation tickets. I was somehow first in, and picked up my Alilaguna ticket and my 72 hour vaporetto card in about 90 seconds. Huge line for the toilets, so if you're flying in, maybe hit the head before landing. My bag made it on the plane (short connection at FCO) and came off the carousel quickly. I followed the signs to the water transport - in and out and up to departures and in and out (to avoid construction), but the glass-enclosed corridor from the terminal to the water is complete and only takes a few minutes on the moving walkway (no carts allowed). I probably just broke even on the vaporetto pass, but it's worth it for the convenience. There are few stops that sell tickets.
On Saturday morning, I took the 10.00 am Free Walking Tour and it was one of the best tours I've been on. The guide, Aida, was informative and engaging at the same time, full of interesting info and fun facts, explained clearly how Venice was built from the first settlements, and had lots of practical tips about getting around and sightseeing. The tour including a rest stop with toilets at what is considered about the best gelateria in Venice. It was too cold for gelato, but their hot chocolate was as good as Angelina's in Paris and only 2.50 euros including a seat. The tour ended just a couple minutes' walk from Campo Santa Margherita, so I went to Margaret du Champ for lunch and was not disappointed - the pizza was one of the best I've ever had.
There was very little Carnevale in evidence on this first weekend, and I'm comparing it with the first weekend of some 3 and 6 years ago, when there were people in dressed in elaborate hand-made costumes and masks, and street entertainment.
Basilica San Marco is only open from 2-4 pm! The museum is open all day and offers views of some of the mosaics. You can go to the daily mass after the 4 pm closure (maybe around 5 pm), and the mosaics are lit (I'm told), but of course you must sit through the mass and cannot wander around the church during or after.
Sunday afternoon, on the No. 2 vaporetto, packed tighter than a can of sardines, the inspectors came on and checked tickets. Beware! You must validate your ticket before getting on - even if you have a pass. Otherwise, there's a stiff fine.
Traveling solo, I have learned to chat with complete strangers. I went to the Chabad Friday night dinner in the Ghetto (mediocre food, excellent warm, welcoming atmosphere) where I met a woman about my age who has recently moved to Israel, and lives not far away . . . and we have mutual friends and similar interests so I will be in touch with her when I get home. On Sunday, the couple next to me at a cafe on one of the Cannareggio rios saw the Australia insignia on my jacket (a souvenir from a trip) and started a conversation because they're from Melbourne. At the end of our drinks, I mentioned that I was going to Rome and they recommended the Edward Hopper exhibit at the Vittorio Emmanuele Monument. I am excited at the prospect of seeing it, while dismayed at how I will ever fit it in - I'll have to drop something else, I fear.