Venice

The train ride to Venice was short and we arrived just before lunch. As soon as we set foot out of the train station we were transported into a different world. Before going I knew that there were no streets and that all traffic was by boat but it was still amazing to actually see a city set upon a vast network of canals. Rachael and I wanted to cross the city by foot which in most cities is not too hard but in Venice this task proved to be too much. There are a million little alleyways, none of which go straight, everything looks exactly the same and almost every path leads to a dead end. I am not used to being completely turned around but I had to just go with it and by the end was enjoying wandering aimlessly through the city.



During our stroll we came upon a Vaporetto (water bus) stop and decided to take the short ride over to the little group of islands which make up Murano. This area is famous for its handmade glass which includes everything from tiny souvenir pendants to enormous glittering chandeliers. The area was like a miniature Venice because it too was built on a system of canals and has no cars. We were unable to see a live exhibition of glass blowing and after a bite to eat we decided to go back to the city center and see the famous St. Mark’s Square.





The Vaporetto dropped us off right in front of the busy square. The piazza was teaming with tourists and the most fearless pigeons I have ever seen. In between dodging the pigeons we were able to take in the amazing scene that lay before us. St. Mark’s Cathedral is not nearly as big as many of the others in Italy but it is definitely one of the most beautiful. The outside is covered in brightly painted frescoes and puts off a warm glow from all of the gold leaf. Right next to the cathedral is an amazing old clock complete with the phases of the moon and the signs of the zodiac. The square is lined with busy cafes and we werehappy to just stand there soaking in the sun and the scenery.





After walking in the hot sun we were ready to head back to the station and end our day in Venice. We meandered through the narrow streets, past gondolas, and over tiny bridges all along the way. It was the perfect ending to a great day in this amazing city.