Lost in Venice

Today is another day spent exploring this city full of life and romance. It's Saturday of a long weekend here, and the city is, what's that saying... "chock-a-block" full of people. 

Our friend Joanne Hughes told us her favorite thing to do in Venice was to sip cappuccino while sitting in Saint Marc's square, listening to the cafe's live orchestra. Even though that one coffee may cost 10 euro, there was a certain romance to it. Well sorry Joanne. We thought about including a shot of us doing the same, but the crowds were just way too thick for our liking. 

We settle for a smaller street cafe to enjoy our cappuccino. Here's to you Joanne!

Our excursion today included a glass blowing demo which was really quite impressive although short? Not much more than 5 minutes. This guy was really talented. What came next though was a 10 minute sales pitch, for why we should only buy from them. We weren't in a buying mood anyway and truth be known, this was our way of gaining the use of their free "water closets".  Otherwise you would have to pay one or two euros to use a public washroom or buy an espresso or food from a shop to use their facilities. 

As we begin our day long walk-about (lots of Aussies on this tour), we stumble upon the Ferrari store. Like the cars, all of their offerings are beautiful but just way too expensive. So we leave empty handed.

We finally move away from the tourist traps and begin finding the local neighbourhoods and squares. Far less hectic.

Our goal is to have a quiet lunch somewhere, then find Basilica S Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari. Now that's a mouthful. Our tour of Spain last year was referred to by some as, the ABC tour (Another Bloody Church), but this is the first one this time out and we did it voluntarily.

This was a no photos allowed self guided tour, but I'm a rebel (no flash though). 

There really were some beautiful sculptures, woodwork and art to take in. 

One of the altars.

By three o'clock we are heading back to meet up with the rest of the group. But, street signage that lead us easily though the narrow winding streets and allies to the church, suddenly disappeared on the return trip. Don't know how many times we had to backtrack and ask for directions. And we had a map! What was probably a 20 minute walk for a local, took us close to and hour.

Although I did stop to take a few more photos along the way. 

The Grand Canal late afternoon. Note the yellow boat scootching (a nautical term (not really),for foolishly squeezing between two much larger craft), through an opening, while the larger boat on the right squeezes left to avoid two gondolas. Mama Mia!

The narrow residential canals were getting busy too. 

Last but not least. 

As we are returning by boat to our tour bus, the home with the black shutters centred in this shot is brought to our attention. It belongs to Sir Elton John and rumour has it he's hosting a party tonight. Somehow though, our names were missed on the invitation list. Oh well, his loss. He missed his chance to party with a great group of people from around the world.

Ciao... 

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