Venezia

July 15th, 2010

Left Berne. I am sure it is a fascinating city when you have time to explore it and it is not so damn hot!!! A woman at a paticularly un air conditioned shop, told me that it is usually 15 degrees cooler in CH and no one has air conditioning, so we were there for the freakish hot spell and we were glad to leave.

The train to Venice was easy peasy. Had to switch in Brig, but that was easy too. The Swiss train system is a thing of beauty. Not so in Italy, but it is fun to discover the differences in countries and cultures. Everything in CH is well labeled and in English, but the Italians are not that concerned with the need of international travelers. When we got to Venice and stepped off the train, a wave of heat and humidity unknown by us until then, hit us like a tsunami. Berne seamed like a picnic comparitively. We had no idea how to get to our hotel and did not quite understand the vaperetto system yet, so we took a water taxi which was SOOOOO much fun!!!

The Grand Canal is quite breathtaking! The wind cooled us down as we motored passed water front villas and museums and breathtaking architecture. The taxi dropped us right at the dock of our hotel, and we were there!!! Chris met us in the lobby and we immediately went to tour the Doges Palace and to view the Duomo.

The Doges Palace was interesting. I love to imagine how people lived in different times, and then be grateful for all of the modern blessings we enjoy. Especially in the US. I am awed at the immensity (sp?) of some of the works of art. It amazes me to think of the talent of the masters.

The Bridge of Sighs was fun to walk across - it was over the same canal that our hotel was on. Another case of finally being able to see something in person that I had here to for seen only in pictures. Sad to think of prisoners walking across to the prison. The prison cells were small and damp, and in the summer must have been stifling. I'm sure no matter what crime they committed, that after a short time in the cells - if they didn't die first, they deserved to be let free. It was awful!!!

I have read about Venice many, many times, but until you start walking around and realize "Hey there are no cars here" you do not have a concept of the canal system. It was very charming. All the little alley ways and bridges are fun to traverse, although unless you have a map, you are screwed and even with the map it is easy to get lost.

We walked and walked and walked like the little pioneer children who gathered berries for food. My Mormon friends will understand the reference. I'm pretty sure that the pioneer children were never as hot as we were in Venice though. High 90s and 5 billion percent humidity. YIKES!!!

We ate food at a cute little place after getting lost and going round and round and back and forth and finally finding the place just down the street. I'm pretty sure we passed it many times.

Venice was a crazy busy place - people everywhere, moving and standing. It seemed to undulate like the water that surrounds it and runs through it's canals. The canal system is fascinating and charming. Watching the gondoliers navigate through the myriad of water craft, is fun. Mostly we just roamed the streets looking for interesting places to see. There are sooooooo many shops. You could spend your entire time there just shopping if that is what you desired.

Our first day in Venice was hot and tiring, but we enjoyed our time together, and look forward to the rest of our time.