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Published: September 26th 2007
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Gondola on Small Canal
Boats are everywhere, ranging from gondolas to cruise ships. The water is the only mode of transport in Venice. Kevin will have loaded more pictures from our Chatillon Stay into our last blog, so take the time and peruse the pics….
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 - Ah, Venizia at last! A city totally on water, with access into it by boat only….Knowing that we were going to be severely limited by the amount of luggage we could bring in with us after parking the car, we had reorganized everything we would need into two bags, believe it or not. So, after crossing the bridge into the city, unloading the car and reverse-parking in (to slow any possible break-ins) we took off for the “Vaporetto”, which is the public transportation boats that run up and down the Grand Canal, as well as other routes around the city. I had such a wonderful time here thirty-plus years ago and could only hope that I wouldn’t be disappointed. I wasn’t, we weren’t. Kevin loved it from the beginning. Coming down the Grand Canal for the first time is magical and I am unable to explain. Viewing the palazzi that are on both sides of the canal can be a bit overwhelming. And the amount of water traffic - vaporetti, tronchetti (boats that
KP in St. Marks Square
Tourists, bloody tourists (10CC Album) and large queues to enter the basilica. act as a ferry system from one side of the Grand Canal to the other), not to mention the water taxis, gondolas and all the service boats as well. And the amount of TOURISTS! American and English accents were everywhere.
After depositing our bags at our hotel, we whipped out and had a quick lunch - pizza. Well, after all, this IS Italy! We then went and checked out the hotel room. Talk about small! But how much time should you be spending in your hotel room in Venice anyway? Heading out, we found ourselves 5 minutes later in Piazza St. Marco, the major tourist attraction of Venice. Tourists standing in lines, pigeons, tourists feeding pigeons. Stupid tourists. Seeing the lines we decided to go book a walking tour around the historic buildings, St Marks Cathedral, the Doges’ Palace, and then a trip to Murano Island, famous for its glass. After booking the tour for the next AM we went walking, and walk we did. Kevin couldn’t believe that I had packed our raincoats since the weather has been so good. He said that if it rained he would eat my hat. Well, he had a nice little snack this
Rialto Bridge
Unfortunately, there is graffiti all over the shutters for the shops on the bridge. afternoon after we got off the vaporetto at St Mark’s Square and it started HOSING down. We were right in front of Harry’s Bar and decided to make a run for it. Guess what - yep, he got asked to leave for dress regulations. No shorts allowed, thank you. It’s a BAR, for heaven’s sake! I think he is trying for a personal best. Who knows where the next eviction notice will come from?
Venice is very expensive, what we have seen so far, and Italy is leaving us with that impression as well.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007 - Venice, again, and up for our tour at 9 AM. That’s when we were told to be there. Others were told 8:30, 9:15, I think whatever suited the person booking the tour at the time. It finally got started at 9:30 and off we went to St Mark’s Square and the Basilica. The interior is breathless, and the tile work on the floor is unbelievable. Of course, no pictures were allowed. The good thing about a tour is that you don’t have to stand in the unending lines. After the Basilica and history of the square, we were off to
St. Marks Basilica
Just after a large downpour of rain followed by hail the size of 20 cent pieces. the Doges’ Palace next door. Now, these were the rulers of Venice, which was independent during the height of its power in the 1400-1500s, who were elected and were virtually powerless. Still, they had a nice place to live. The frescoes and tile work were wonderful. The artwork cannot be described.
We then got on a waterbus to Murano Island, where all that famous Venetian glass comes from. Those who live in Russell or elsewhere in New Zealand can check out “Just Imagine” in our town. Cris brings in many beautiful pieces from there. AND, we found out that her prices are better than the ones we saw. We saw many nice pieces but nothing that struck our fancy. Back to town and lunch. More walking around, a trip up the Grand Canal to a Villa Museum, and then back down in time for dinner. We ended up in a restaurant sandwiched in between a couple from Atlanta GA and another from the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand. Much discussion about rugby, sights we have seen, where we are going and how we are doing it. We are sure there will be a couple more people joining the “Cult of
Doctor's Mask
Used by MD's when attending plague victims. Homeexchange.com” as a result!
Off on our way to Rome tomorrow, spending the night somewhere on the way. We are stopping by Florence to pick up keys for the Rome apartment.
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