Venice - Oct 4-5
Day two in Venice
We flew over the Alps as we
approached Italy.
We had to walk about 4 blocks
from the bus to our hotel in
Venice, while the luggage came by
boat from the parking lot.  We
stayed at the Boscolo Bellini - very
nice, small, but nicely decorated
and quiet.
After we "freshened up" we took a
walk across the Scalzi Bridge in
front of our hotel and set out to
explore a little.  The streets were
quiet - no cars allowed - and the
gondolas weren't operating since
it was Sunday afternoon.  
We came across the Opera House,
and had some sandwiches in a bar
(below) - a type of restaurant
where you order at the counter
and stand to eat - or sit for a
slightly higher price.
After dinner we took some night
photos, including this one with the
full moon over the Grand Canal.
On day two we went with our tour
director, Anna Marie, to see the
Piazza San Marco, including the
Doge's Palace.   Because of the
high tide, the Piazza was flooded
with about 2-3 inches of water, and
the church was also flooded.  
Everyone had to walk on platforms
set up through the church and
across the piazza.
Inside the Doge's Palace.
We took a gondola ride - a little
expensive - but it's Venice!
Then we took a boat to the island
of Murano for a tour of a glass
factory - including, of course, their
showrooms.
Our tour ended with a
stop at the island of
Burano - famous for lace
and brightly colored
building - it was nicely
uncrowded and we
walked along the main
street and ate gelato!