City on Water - Venice

          Greetings from Venice (Venezia).   We only spent two nights here in this very beautiful and unique city on water.  We arrived by public water taxi to the Rialto Hotel where we were booked to stay.  Our room is on the top floor and overlooks the Rialto Bridge and the Grande Canal.  The Rialto Bridge, besides crossing over the Canal, also is host to an enormous number of shops with goods ranging from cheap souvenirs to handmade Italian handbags and of course Neil’s favorite Gelato (handmade ice cream) .  The Restaurants here have the typical Italian menu but are a lot cheaper than what we have encountered so far on our trip. 

          We went and saw St. Mark’s Square and it many shops, the Basilica, and toured the Manet Art Expedition at the Dojo Palace.  On our walk back to the Grande Canal I can only explain it as a maze of narrow alley ways lined with shops and restaurants.  On your walk you must cross over several small bridges that span over the water canals.  These canals are roadways for everyday travel by boat and for many tourists taking a romantic Gondola ride.  Gondola rides vary in price depending on the number of people onboard and whether it be day or night-time.  For two people day time is 80 Euros and in the evening it cost 100 Euro’s. 

          Our last outing was to the Murano Glass Factory where we watched the Glass Masters Assistant make a vase and a horse.  This factory has been in the family business for more than 600 years.  Following the demonstration we went on a tour of the Glass Studio to view the many works of famous and popular Glass Artists.  Of course they encourage you to buy and I must tell you that the cost to purchase from here is MUCH cheaper than if you buy from a local shop and you are guaranteed of the items authenticity.  This tour was supplied at no charge by our Hotel including the water taxi which took us around the outer area of the city. 
 
          At night, in our room, we are serenaded with soothing Italian music and laughter from the streets below as people slow down and relax beneath us in the outdoor café’s.  

          We depart tomorrow on the Norwegian Cruise Line ship called “Jade” travelling to Croatia, Greece, and Turkey.  I will not be posting daily while on the cruise but will post when I can. 

          Our feet sore and tired from all the walking and shopping we call it a night and look forward to what tomorrow has to bring. 

Happy travels...Tori