Monday, October 24, 2016

Up, Up and Away - Venice

After spending a week in Florence we took the train to Venice. Walking out from the train station, we were amazed at the fact there were no streets, but only canals.  All transportation is via the canals - cab boats, bus boats, trash boats, supply boats and all else boats.  We truly enjoyed our days visiting the city.

Again, we took a walking tour and discovered so many wonderful sights - St, Mark's church, Doge Palace, Marco Polo's neighborhood and so much more.  St. Mark's church was breathtaking.  The tiny mosaics outside and covering the inside is done in 24 carat gold.  I can't begin to imagine what the cost would be today.  As well, there are four life sized horse sculptures done in gold too.  Until 30 years ago they were in St. Mark's square, but have now been moved to the inside of the church.  Unfortunately, there were no photos allowed on the inside.

Some of what we saw....
The Main Canal - the Interstate!

Rialto Bridge

St Mark's

Gold mosaic on outside of church

Another gold mosaic

St Mark's Square from the church balcony

The clock tower from the 1500s.  The two little men on top hammer out the hour to this day.

Marco Polo Square

The current hospital

Doge Palace

Golden Stairway at Doge Palace

Ceiling in Doge Palace

Another interior ceiling...so much gold everywhere.

The boat dock (front door) of our hotel.

A bridge over the water street.

High tide brings the water to your front door.  Yikes!

To die for- cannoli!!!

Loved the pretty marzipan fruits - so realistic looking.

Bet you can't guess what this is.  This was what they used before there was indoor plumbing.  To keep the men from using the corners of buildings to relieve themselves they put these rounded structures in the corners.  Apparently, it had a splash back effect on the men.  


One last gondola...farewell to Venice.  Next stop is Lucerne, Switzerland.  


15 comments:

  1. Wow! So that's where you are. I'm glad you're having a wonderful time.

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  3. So very lovely, this was certainly a trip of a lifetime. And your second-to-last photo ... how inventive, and too funny!

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  4. I love the magic of Venice: the canals, the light, the beautiful buildings--everything! So glad you enjoyed your visit, and love all these beautiful photos.

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  5. Venice looks like a lovely place to visit. THanks for sharing the great photos.

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  6. Wow, what an amazing trip you have had - so many beautiful sights and a wonderful experience. How special that you got to have some family time with your trip too.

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  7. What a fantastic vacation. Good for you!!!!!

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  8. Venice is truly unique and such an amazing place to visit. I arrived by train and stopped dead in my tracks on those huge stairs when I saw the canals with all they hold. Venice is Magic. Your trip and photos are wonderful.

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  9. Wonderful trip. I'm sure you thoroughly enjoyed yourself!!!!

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  10. Wow, Mary! You took such wonderful photos of this beautiful city. I had a great time looking at your Florence and Venice photos. Thanks so much for sharing them. Can't wait to see the ones from Lucerne.

    -Soma

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  11. Amazing, thanks for sharing the wonderful pictures.

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  12. What a trip so far! I'd travel for the food and the gorgeous architecture. The details and paintings at the church are just amazing.

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  13. Venice looks so fascinating. When we were in Italy I think I was just amazed at the "oldness" of everything and how young our country really is...

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  14. I was in Venice when in collage but would love to go again. I'm glad you had a good trip. Your photos are amazing.

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