The morning walk was very interesting and we saw Venice before all of the tour groups and cruises landed for their 3 hour visits. We learned about the history of the famous buildings and saw Marco Polo's home. We had a nice break in a square with wonderful views of a canal. After the walk we had a tour of Saint Mark's Basilica that was built over a 500 year period. The tile work creating the mosaics was something to be excited about. We had special tickets allowing us to go to the roof to see the original horse sculptures and to soak in the view of San Marco square below. At 12:30pm a handful from the group went to a private glass blowing demonstration at the Galleria San Marco G.S.M. It was only 2,100 Euros for a set of 6 glasses and serving tray. On the walk back to the hotel we bought some 3.50 Euro bottles of Italian wine to enjoy during our afternoon siesta before visiting a few more museums.
Later afternoon was spent visiting Museo Correr and the Doge Palace. The museum was beautiful and I enjoyed half the artwork. The upper floors were kind of boring. My favorite was the carved wood with paintings inside. The Doge Palace was where the elected officials conducted business and every room was more extravagant than the last. I can't even describe it. What an amazing museum!
Dinner was at a very authentic restaurant called Trattoria Al Gazzettino that Brian and I found while out on a walk. It was just the family of 4 as we were on our own for dinner this night. We had rice, palenta, and sardines as "on the house" starters. It was a "present" according to our server, who barely spoke any English. I did my best to order in Italian with the few lessons we had from our guide Andy. When in the local culture we found the locals really respected you if you attempted to speak the local language instead of having your first question be "do you speak English?" Our entrees were Mixed Grill (Brian), Shrimp and Asparagus pasta (Mom), Prawn and Mushroom pasta (Dad), and Lobster Noodles (Me). WOW! It was all TO DIE FOR. Another round of unordered food (caprese salad and bread) then a coffee cake and liquor dessert. We had a bottle of red wine to share. For 136 Euros it was well worth the price and our best meal of the trip so far. Time for a bottle of Prosecco Italian champagne for a night cap. Chao chao!
Graffitt on a door in Venice
Mask making demonstration
The Simpsons is apparently high fashion in Italy
Ceiling of a room in the Doge Palace
Mom and Dad posing while wandering the streets of Venice
Lobster noodles at Trattoria Al Gazzettino
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