Exploring Venice (Sat July 21)

We had a slow start today.  We are enjoying the apartment (the boys are recovering from nearly a week without internet) and we are catching up on laundry, which takes a while to do with a European style mini-machine.

Scott says it looks like something from the Gemini Space Program.

 

Once we got going, we headed out to enjoy the sights and sounds of Venice.   

The boys primary interest today:  Souvenir acquisition.  They had a small stipend and spent the day comparison shopping.

Browsing the many interesting shops.

 

The "Snailshell"--staircase located outside to save space.

This qualifies as a "street" in Venice.

The Rialto Bridge

A little eel anyone?

Swordfish--Sword attached!

They love their squid and cuttlefish.

The Spice Store

Two actors promoting the Opera.

Even the beggars look interesting. 

Early in the day we visited St. Mark's.  We had an advance pass so we were able to skip the lines.  The ceiling is lined with enough Gold to cover a couple of football fields (no photos allowed) and the floor is covered with throngs of tourists.  Later on in the day we visited the Friari Church, which dates from the 1500s.  It was much more enjoyable with some beautiful artwork and few people.  Surreptitiously obtained photos below:

 

We wrapped up the touring day with a visit to the Correr Museum and the Doge's Palace.

A book room in the Correr Museum

Decorations on St. Mark's Basilica--Venetian Plunder from Constantinople

Inside the Doge's Palace

The "Mouth of Truth" in the Doge's Palace where you could submit an anonymous complaint (that might land someone in prison!).

The Golden Staircase

That's real gold on the ceiling.  The Venetians went with the "if you've got it, flaunt it" philosophy.

 

One of the assembly rooms.

The Doge enjoyed a good view.

Out in the lagoon--a beautiful day.

The Great Council Room.  The painting above the platform is the largest oil painting in the world.

The view from the "Bridge of Sighs" headed into the adjacent prison.  This is also where children sigh and say "are we done yet.?"

They practiced torture in the prison--primarily involving taking prisoners through the adjacent art museum over and over.

 

Having completed our cultural tour, we decided to embark on a gondola ride:

You can pay extra and book a singer and accordion player--we passed on that one.

Our gondolier was very nice and gave each of the boys a chance at the oar.

 

We have thoroughly enjoyed Venice.  Tomorrow, off to Rome via Florence.  Ciao!