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Sunday, May 25, 2008
Venice, Italy
We woke up on Sunday ready to see Venice. Our plans for the day were to see St. Mark’s Square, which we had seen a little on Saturday, the Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, the Rialto Bridge, and if time permitted, the Academia.
We did pretty well. We started at the Doge’s Palace. It was the headquarters of the non-secular rulers of Venice for several hundred years. In fact, this palace was the center of all commerce in Europe for four hundred years. The rulers lived in this palace and did all their business there. On the ceiling of the grand staircase was the most incredible gold-encrusted ceiling. No doubt that this family and city were once the wealth of Europe.
As you pass through the various rooms in the palace, you reach a doorway that leads to the State Prison. It is across the famous “Bridge of Sighs”. We could not believe the size and scope of the place. When the prisoners are led there, they cross a bridge for one last look at the beauty of Venice before being placed in a cell. It is said that all prisoners gave a faint “sigh”
Venice
Jackie with gondolas as they crossed this bridge. Thus, the name: “Bridge of Sighs.”
After this tour, we then we took the Vaporetto (we bought a 24 hour pass at about noon) on the Grand Canal from our dock back towards the train station. We stopped at the Ca d’Oro dock and walked back towards the Rialto Bridge. We had lunch under the bridge, just off Tedeschi Street.
After lunch, we walked across the Rialto Bridge to see the west side of the Canal. We saw the hotel where our friends, the Gillis’ stayed, near the bridge. We had tried to book a room here but were unsuccessful. It is a nice place near the bridge and a lot of other sites.
Returning, we took the Vaporetto on the Grand Canal once again back to our dock at San Zaccaria. After a rest at our hotel, we went to dinner at a restaurant nearby. We met two couples from the states while dinning. Just next to our seats when we set down was an American couple from the Mid West. We spoke for a while. Then after they left, another couple sat there and we repeated the same conversation. It is so funny
Venice
Tom with canals to hear their stories and then repeat ours.
Anyway, after dinner, we decided to try to find the old church where a concert was being held that was advertised in our hotel. We had decided not to go but now thought it would be worth finding it late and seeing if we could sneak in. It was just over the Rialto Bridge again. We walked all the way from the restaurant where we had dinner and found the church. Only, the concert was only ten minutes from ending and we were not allowed to enter. Jackie was not happy since earlier she said that’s what she wanted to do most.
So, we then took the Vaporetto once again back towards our hotel. Now it was night time giving Venice a whole new look. It is great during the day and even better at night.
We got to bed late and knew that we had a big day ahead. We still wanted to visit the St. Mark’s Basilica before leaving for Florence.
That’s it for Sunday’s activities. I’m writing this on Tuesday evening, late. Jackie’s already asleep. We are already having a hard time remembering everything that we did. It is
Jackie
Inside the Doge's palace late now and I will have to stop here.
I will upload this blog and some pictures. I will get up early on Wednesday morning and complete Monday’s drive to Florence and our first day and one-half here.
We are still having the time of our lives. I have gained about ?? pounds and Jackie maybe one. But it has all been worth it. Stay tuned for Monday and Tuesday. Those were some of the best days of our lives!!!
Tom and Jackie
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Andrea and Rich
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What a time in your life
Your pictures look like postcards! We are so happy for you. All is fine back at the condo, not to worry. Love Rich and Andrea