Trip Day 15 - Venice 1

Monday September 26 

I had this map at the end of the last blog but thought I really should have it in the beginning of this one. I think I forgot to mention that the ship has space for 50 passengers but we were only 39. All so very nice.

Yes, the Artemis is a memory now (may be until next time?). We "sailed" during the night and arrived in Venice in the morning. This photo was taken 7:23 am.

After a nice breakfast as always we got off. The captain was outside saying good-bye to us. Such a nice person. 

From that quay we were taken by water taxi to the island. Don't really know where the Artemis docked. Oh, I had not really realized that our two groups were now separated. We were taken to different hotels. By-by, new friends Susan and Peter. We really hope we hear from you.

There we are ... in walking distance to all the famous landmarks. 

The Doge's Palace, Saint Mark square (Piazza San Marco) and the Basilica of St. Mark. A service was taking place so we will have to come back later. 

After the piazza we were led criss-cross. This city is truly like no other. Amazing fun.

A theater we would have loved to get tickets but the timing was not right.

Yes, criss-cross.

And everywhere these boards which can be put up if the water level rises. 

In the piazza we could see the water level raise. This water was not left from some rain but it was bubbling up from underneath. 

The Basilica of Saint Mark. In line to get in. No words necessary. Another amazing and awesome site to see. The current building was started 1063 and opened on October 8, 1094.

Here are 6 fascinating fact about the basilica you don't want to miss.

Afterwards we were taken to the Studio/shop of Murano Glass. Wow, there were long lines.

Upstairs we had a glassblowing demonstration where we were allowed to take photos. Afterwards we were led into the shop part where we heard all about Murano glass. I must say, the demonstration with the wine glasses how strong the glass is was very impressive. The prices were too.

Then we were "set free". James and I had a little snack. Can't remember much. I think this Italian pizza was not memorable. 

Finally our room in the UNA Hotel Venezia was ready. We settled in as much as you do for 2 nights but felt like celebrating the good times we just had and more surely to come. We opened the bottle of champagne we had found in our cabin on the ship but had never opened. Nice!

And then we ventured out again, this time alone. Two days are short.

Somewhere I have a note which church this was but can't find it. The lace was what I needed to report on (for my lacemaking friends). Looked handmade to me.

Venice is fun. Around every corner is something new and different. And picturesque. 

After a long and tiring day it was time for dinner. But where? Luck of the draw. We stopped here. It was right on a canal with outside sitting. The food was excellent. On the next table sat a couple from Germany and of course we had a conversation. Interesting. 

We did find our way back to the hotel without a problem. Well done, ha-ha. You have no idea how curvy and snaking the streets are in Venice.