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Published: October 21st 2014
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We woke up Sunday morning ready to explore everything Venice had to offer. We started the day off by going back to St. Mark's Basilica. We wanted to check out the museum, so we started the day there. Luckily, the line moved very quickly. We totally lucked out because the church part was closed for mass. We wouldn't have been able to see the interior without making an additional trip later on in the day. I love it when things work out like that. Once we entered the museum, we saw relics, got to go to the top of the basilica, etc. It also gave us some great vantage point pics of the square, artwork, etc.
After the museum at St. Mark's Basilica, we headed over to the Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale). Once again, we lucked out and didn't have to wait in line at all. The beginning part of the tour is ok. It takes you into the courtyard. There's some decent architecture to peruse. We then entered the Doge apartments. To this point, Katie thought the trip was overrated. However, there was a couple rooms that took her breath away. If you take a look at the pictures,
you'll see the huge room with a ton of artwork and gold on the ceilings. It was amazing. I saw this last time I was in Venice and it was still amazing. According to the signs, it's the largest room in Europe. It was absolutely HUGE! The gold frames and artwork was very impressive. It also depicted all the Doges from 1300 or so and their accomplishments. Once in the far left corner had a black banner next to his painting. He tried to orchestrate a coup d'etat, so he was executed for being a traitor. Also, this room was constructed to have all the patriarchs of the city to form the ground council. They would determine if the Doge or the numerous other councils in the government were gaining too much power. It was the only council where membership to the council was not dependent of social power. It allowed the poor to be a part of the political decision making process. I'm not saying it was always fair or equitable since the nobility held special spots in other councils (ex. Council of Ten), but I digress.
After the Palazzo Ducale, we headed over to the Correr Museum.
For those of you that may consider going to Venice soon, the entrance there is included with your ticket to the Palazzo Ducale. They don't really advertise this much while you're there, but just show them the same ticket to the entrance of the Correr museum and you'll get in no problem. To be honest, I'm glad it was "free" because it was only ok. There's only so many bust sculptures after Rome and Venice before they seem like just another bust/sculpture. Regardless, I can't complain on the price haha. After the museum we stopped for a quick gelato treat and then started to explore the lesser known parts of Venice. We crossed the lagoon and walked around. It was great getting away from the crowds and experiencing the lesser touristy part of Venice. Granted, Venice's local population has been cut in half the last few years. Few people that aren't associated with the tourism or entertainment trade still live in what people consider "Venice", but it was nice getting off the beaten path a bit. After exploring the off the beaten path Venice, we headed over to the Basilica Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Friari. It has a couple really
well known scupltures and paintings. Katie and I need to count our lucky stars because we made it JUST in time. The people right behind us weren't able to get in. I must say, timing at its finest!
By this time, it was sunset. During my research of what to do, I heard that gondola prices increased significantly at 7pm. Before that time, you can expect prices to be about 80 euros. After that time, it could rise to 100-120 euros. I also read t make sure to negotiate the price and the time. Some may be able to get 20 euros off the price, but get a significantly shorter gondola ride that skips a lot of the great views. I opted to keep the ride at 80 euros for the full 30 minutes. Katie and I stopped at a spot our concierge recommended to catch a gondola. I didn't get to do this the last time I was there, so it was cool to experience something new in a city I had be to before. I must say, it is an extremely relaxing experience. You get the sunset picturesque views and the evening views as well. We were
kind of on the go for a while there, but once we sat down in the gondola, time seemed to slow down. It was a very relaxing experience. Katie seemed to really enjoy it as she said "this is great" about 10 times on the ride.
Furthermore, the gondola dropped us off at Rialto. This was a quick two minute walk away from our room. We freshened up and got ready for dinner. Dinner last night was so delicious, that I insisted that we go back there. We had a great dinner, once again, then headed to the Devil's Forest Pub again. If you're into pubs, I highly recommend this one. It's open until about 12:30am-1am. That may not sound too late, but since Venice is a very touristy town, a lot of the locale places close down early. Some spots shutdown at about 9 or 10pm.
Moreover, Katie was pretty tired by the time we went back so I took her back to the room. We hung out for a while, listened to music, played cards, etc. I just have to add that I'm the undefeated champ in card games with her this trip! Anyways, I read
about a casino on the island that I wanted to check out. Katie was too pooped to go, so I decided to head over there once she went to bed. It was about a 20 minute walk away or so. However, when I got there, they mentioned I needed my passport. Research fail! So unlike me to not uncover something like that. I walked 20 minutes back to the room, got my coat and my passport, and walked 20 minutes back to the casino. Unfortunately, I got there a few minutes after their ticket booth closed. Apparently, if you're a foreigner, you have to buy a ticket to get in. I couldn't believe I wasted that much time to not get into the casino. Oh well, at least I had a late night scenic tour of Venice, eh? By this time, it was about 2 or 3am, so I headed back to the room. After all, Katie and I have to wake up tomorrow morning to leave to Milan.
Venice was very good to us. I have a feeling Katie and I will be back here some day. Hope every one is doing well back home. Love you guys!
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