First Gondola Sighting
Stepping out of the train station and seeing big canal with incredible buildings lining it was surreal. I felt like I was in some type of amusement park or Vegas.
Date: 07/23/2007
The Rialto Bridge
We took a vaporetto to our hotel and got to see much of the grand canal our first day.
Date: 07/23/2007
Building on the Grand Canal
I don't know if we ever knew the name of it, but it's gorgeous!
Date: 07/23/2007
A Room with a View
Our window looked straight out on the grand canal, where we could admire the architecture and people watch as the boats passed. Definitely a highlight!
Date: 07/23/2007
A typical Venetian Bridge
After hiking the Cinque Terre, I was looking forward to a flat town, but I forgot about the stairs on bridges. It worked out the soreness at least.
Date: 07/23/2007
Santa Maria Della Salute Church
So many famous sites in Europe were covered in scaffolding, this church was no exception.
Date: 07/23/2007
I'm on a Traghetto!
To get from one side of the canal to the other, for 50 cents, an old gondola would take you across. A fun trip and much faster than finding a bridge.
Date: 07/23/2007
The Campanile
We went to the top of the tower the first night to get a view of the city.
Date: 07/23/2007
View from the Campanile looking toward San Giorgio Maggiore
We didn't make it to that island, but maybe next time.
Date: 07/23/2007
Piazza San Marco from the Campanile
There weren't as many pigeons as I had expected.
Date: 07/23/2007
The Outside of the Bridge of Sighs
Apparently, prisoners were escorted from the Doge's Palace across this bridge and since it was the last glimpse of light they would have, it is said they, "sighed".
Date: 07/23/2007
Our Lavish Spread
We decided to splurge and sit in the piazza, eating overpriced food and drinks in a beautiful spot that required a cover. Apparently, all the famous people have eaten here.
Date: 07/23/2007
Inside the Doge's Palace
The Duke of Venice lived here, and the place was decorated as elaborately as Versailles.
Date: 07/24/2007
Inside the Bridge of Sighs
I'm on the inside of the bridge and took some time to wave at the tourists gawking at me from where we took a previous outside picture.
Date: 07/24/2007
View from Inside the Bridge of Sighs
Those tourists are standing where we stood the day before. They are packed in like sardines, but I remember the gondalier having a nice voice.
Date: 07/24/2007
Eric on a Traghetto
We weren't near a bridge so used a traghetto to get across the Grand Canal.
Date: 07/24/2007
Piazza San Marco
There are more pigeons today, probably more people buying pigeon food for 1 euro. Yes, people actually do that, and let the pigeons land on them. Pretty digusting if you think about it too much.
Date: 07/24/2007
Piazza San Marco
On the left is the Doge's Palace and the left pillar has a Winged Lion atop, the symbol of Venice.
Date: 07/24/2007
A top the Basilica San Marco
We weren't able to take pictures inside the church, but the interior was simply amazing. Every surface was covered in mosaics. The most prevalent color was gold. I was in awe. If I ever get a scrapbook done, you can see the postcards.
Date: 07/24/2007
Horses on the Basilica
These were treasures brought from the ancient world, the real ones were inside.
Date: 07/24/2007
Rick Steves Saved Us!
Reading up on our vaporetto trip to . We didn't get to spend much time there, but I spent some money.
Date: 07/24/2007
