Fiorino and Rico watch the dockworkers unload the ship's cargo

There was a lot of work to do, and Rico and I got as close as we could to the action, looking to see what could be in those shipments. It was exciting, even if we had to duck sometimes, and jump at other times so that we would not get in the way of the workers. Rico said we would be smarter if we sat down out of the way, and so this is what we did.

As we watched the men unload and mark the cargo containers, Rico told me about his hopes to continue his apprenticeship as soon as we can return to Venezia. I told him we should enjoy the holidays, but he said that we need to work hard so we can learn our trades. I suppose he is correct but I have not yet found a master with whom I can apprentice. That's when I realized how serious my friend Rico really is about the important things in life.

Fiorino listens to Rico explain his career plans

At noon the Angelus bells rang in the many church towers, and the workers all crossed themselves and stopped working. They stood there and said the prayers, and then they gathered their tools and left the docks, saying their greetings to one another and going off in different directions. I am guessing that they each went home for dinner.

Rico and Fiorino inspect the crates from the cargo ship

Rico and I moved among the barrels for a while, and looked at the crates Signor Capo had told us to come to his villa for dinner and that his cook the Signorina Cece would have something ready for us but that would be a little later, so Rico and I sat and chatted a little more, waiting and hoping to see a ship arrive with our friends.

Funny. All that work got us hungry - even though we did nothing but watch. So, we decided not to wait for the ship and go to try the Signorina Cece's dinner instead. I can tell you, it was very wonderful!