Venice...the most photographed city in the world

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After three days in Rome, we hopped on the train and headed to Venice. We arrived at our campground, Fusina, at about 3 pm. Our little “cabin” was so cute with two twin beds and a wee little bathroom. I was so upset at myself that I forgot to take pictures! We didn’t want to waste a day, so we went ahead and took the ferry to the island of Venezia, even though the last ferry back was at 8:30 pm. We were just kind of getting a lay of the land, and we visited San Marco Plaza, strolled a bit, then had dinner and gelato (of course!) and headed back to Fusina on the ferry.

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Our second day in Venice started at San Marco also, more specifically the Basilica di San Marco. It was a neat church that looks like a palace on the outside, with many, many beautiful mosaics on the interior and exterior. After spending a little bit of time in the church, we took the lift to the top of the clock tower for a panoramic view of Venice. (I think climbing high for a good view is my favorite part of any city we go to!) It was really neat because we could see the boats, gondolas, and the infamous Grand Canal. There was also a very nice view of the Duke’s Palace right next to the basilica, on the canal.

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We walked around a good portion of the day, and unfortunately this was not by choice. Venice is an island, with no cars or buses within the city. The only means of transportation is by boat or feet. However, the feet part can become difficult because there are so many canals and so few bridges that it takes a while to get to/from places. The views were nice, though, and it was fun seeing all the different local shops in the midst of Gucci, Prada, D&G, Fendi, etc.

We stopped for a visit in the Jewish ghetto of Venice, where, believe it or not, is where the word "ghetto" originated.  It was very interesting to see the super tall building, which received special clearance to be built that high since so many people were forced to live in such a small "ghetto."  On one wall of the ghetto was a Holocaust memorial, a series of seven reliefs by a Jewish artist.  They were very impressive and moving.  It's just too bad that they are so tucked away and hidden in the corner of Venice.

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We walked to the main train station, which is located on the Grand Canal, to figure out some ticket business.  Then we gave our feet a rest and sat down on the stairs by the canal.  Steven caught some zzz's, while I caught a good view of all the boats passing by in the glistening blue water.  It's so nice having a trip that is longer than two days because we did have time to just sit.  We haven't had that chance yet, and it was wonderful!

After our very nice rest on the canal, we walked back to the pier where our ferry would pick us up in a couple hours.  I really wanted to find a nice place to eat on the water, and Steven was very accomodating, especially given how expensive all the places were.  We found a nice little place, and sat in the part of the restaurant that extended over the water.  It was beatiful and so peaceful.  I couldn't have asked for a more perfect ending.  Actually the more perfect ending came with our twentieth round of gelato for dessert.  The whole meal, wine, and dessert were absolutely delicious and a wonderful ending to our stay in Venice.