Tuesday, April 11, 2006

It’s Ok to get lost- it’s an island!


After our first day of wandering around Venice we’ve decided that it’s a fun place to get lost. Firstly there are no cars on the island which is wonderful. A very laid back historical feel. Then is the fact that you are on one of many small islands. If you make it to a large body of water, you can find your way back to the train/bus that you need. Beautiful!

So we slept off the train fiasco this morning and got a late start into Venice. We had a couple of destination errands- bus schedules, VeniceCards and a good map. With that done we set off wandering. First stop was Rialto where we were in search of the marketplace and food. Müsli bars will only take you so far. We found a little café and left with warm paninis and ice cream for Emrys. Then to the marketplace, which was very neat. It was filled with leathers, crystal, glass work, fruits, veggies, tourist souvenir stuff – you name it!

From Rialto we headed down to Piazza de San Marco and took in tourists hand-feeding pigeons, stunning architecture, and the very ornate Basilica San Marco.

In between our stops we wandered the Calles that measure as little as 3 meters across and are surrounded by buildings hundreds of years old, all about 4 floors high. A few window boxes are filled with fresh flowers and signs of spring are around. Foot bridges cross the small canals and you can wander forever and never see the same corner twice. Marble steps down the front of a building descend into the canal, the lower steps covered in green algae and moss residue.

As we were leaving town, the still of evening was setting on the waters and reflections were outstanding. We’re off to enjoy a few more days in this enchanting town- where internet is somewhat limited – so signing off until later!

~sjt & et

1 comment:

Wes and Anna Kendall said...

Venice was the place myself and three other friends were convinced we lost another friend for good. But, thank goodness and by the strangest turn of fate, we found him eight hours later ... in a bar, on his fifth glass of beer.

Have fun,

Wes

p.s. - Anna and I had our baby: Wyatt Addison Kendall