Juan parked the bus on the mainland across from Venice and we took a boat ride across the lagoon. We landed at a pier 50 feet from our hotel!

Look! We're really in Venice!

Karin gave us a good orientation so we could begin experiencing Venice. Our hotel was a block from the Accademia Gallery and within ten minutes walking distance of the Rialto Bridge.

A local guide gave our group an excellent walking tour. At St Mark’s basilica, we were able to just walk right in ahead of the long line (see Rick's guide book for the secret).

 

After Karin's orientation and the local guide's tour, we all struck out on our own. Most of us went back to St Mark's to spend more time exploring its artwork and "early ransack" architecture.  You should make a point of being in the upper level at noon when they turn on the interior lights because the effect on the dim interior is magical...

While there, check out the magnificent 'Quadriga', horse statues (these are replicas) stolen from the Emperor's box in the Hippodrome in 1202. And marvel at the details of that clock tower across the square. It's actually digital! Also, notice the winged lion on the tower? Since the winged lion is a symbol for the Apostle Mark, you'll see them throughout Venice. And you'll see even more of the other winged creatures that Phil enjoyed in the square below (look for the numerous tiny wires sticking up on overhead pipes and beams... they are pigeon deterrents!)

Also be sure to tour the Doge's Palace next door. In addition to being the home of the Doge (elected ruler of Venice), it was the city's seat of government as well as housing law courts, jail, and civil administration. Most unusual for the region, Doges were elected for life. However, even the Doge bowed to the authority of St Mark (below left). The Palace is filled with incredible artwork, both inside and out. The centuries-old statues shown below right may represent Neptune and Mars, but we agree with Rick Steves: they look like Paul Newman and Moses!.

             

As soon as you get Piazza di San Marco out of your system, we highly recommend that you head off for paths less traveled! There are no street signs, but there are occasional signs for the major sites (such as St Mark's or Rialto). Besides, you are on an island so, while you may not know exactly where you are at times, you won't really be lost! So, leave the "hot" tourist spots behind and find the real magic and color of Venice!

 

Tourist-y gondola rides are rather expensive, but it just didn't seem right to leave Venice without that particular experience. The rest of our group thought so as well, so Karin arranged a night ride on the Grand Canal for our whole group, complete with champagne, an accordion player, and a singer who serenaded us with Ó Sole Mio. We celebrated our 32 anniversary–pure magic!

     

Sherry and Jack have been married for a lot of years as well, but they don't celebrate anniversaries because they are still on their extended honeymoon!

As it happens, Venice was a major reason why we finally decided to take this trip at this time. We were watching a show about the New Orleans devastation and realized that we'd never get to see the "old" New Orleans. When Lisa then saw a report about increased flooding in Venice, we realized it might be "now or never" to see that, too. So that was the nudge it took for us. Flooding occurs regularly in Venice, and we were in St Mark's square when flooding began in the evening. We actually had a small problem getting around some low, flooded areas later that night on our way back to the hotel (see the second video below). We had to wade through water to the hotel door, which had a low "flood gate" across the entrance to keep the water out!

 

Click below to explore Venice (5:37)		Click below for an evening serenade (3:34)