Venice - 31st May

Off to Venice.

 

We passed through some spectacular scenery. Including the snow capped Italian Alps. 
This photo of a valley was taken through the bus window.





 
 

The border at Italy is like the others we have encountered, empty and deserted. Since the EU was formed there are no passport checks at borders anymore. 
However, the way it is going they may be back in use soon. England is in the process of leaving and France and Greece both want to get out.


 
We arrived at our hotel and put the bags in storage for the day.
Then off to Venice on the tram. It consists of 118 small islands linked by 400 bridges, again a city that is free of cars, the canals provide access to the residence and businesses of Venice.
There are a lot of people in Venice, too many in fact. The little alley ways are completely choked up with tourists.



 



Venice is a truly beautiful city with all of gorgeous buildings and twisting alleys.
We had some Pizza, beer and a Gelato  for lunch then off we went for the mandatory Gondola ride. It was an interesting experience. How the Gondoliers steer the boats with a single oar is very clever.



After the boats we went to watch a man blowing glass, he very quickly made a very impressive vase. We had a look around the glass shop but with wine glasses starting at $200 and a Chandelier at $280,000 we decided to just use their toilet and move on.
We wandered down the little alleyways and ended up in a nice bar we had a few ales and some tea, One of the best steaks Steven has ever had, and the biggest G & T Tammy has had, the glass was big enough to hold at least two goldfish.




After tea Steven decided to make his way to the top of the bell tower located in St Piazza San Marco (St Marks Square)  is full of history and surrounded by great architecture.


Venice from the top of the bell tower.




 



Saint Mark's Basilica, is the cathedral church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice,  and one of the best known examples of Italo-Byzantine architecture





 









 


We ended the day with a ride in a water taxi as the evening closed in and the lights came on.

Back on the tram and return to hotel.
We could use some sleep. It's been 1.00am when we go to bed and 6.00am when we get up.