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| Bridge of Sighs...last vision of freedom before being incarcerated.... |
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| Gondola Pick Up spot |
Romantic Venice was bathed in sunshine, thus inviting a
visitor to do nothing but get lost amongst canals and narrow alleys, take a
traghetto across the water (commuter gondola crossing the Grand Canal at 2
Euros a ride), try on numerous Venetian Masks, take in the limitless surprises
in its rich architecture and just ‘hang out’. Not a difficult thing to do in
Venice, as there are pleasant ristorantes, cafes and plazas, which offer
outside seating with colourful vistas and endless people watching opportunities.
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| Arches of the Doge Palace |
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| The only arch with a relief of a human figure, the others all have `windows`like the one on either side of the carving |
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| Detail of a column |
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| Each column is differently decorated |
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| Euros: 3.50!! A little brown mud, at the bottom of the cup is an expresso - but sooo tasty |
They are also outrageously expensive – but – one accepts
this little challenge with good graces in exchange for being allowed to linger
in this one of a kind beautiful city.
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| Portal of Doge Palace with winged lion |
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| Detail on portal walls |
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| Corner balustrade of Doge Palace |
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| San Marco Square, slowly flooding with the rising tide. The water comes up through dozens of manholes in the square. Flooding happens surprisingly fast... |
During an initial visit a traveller is occupied with seeing
‘The Sights’: the Campanile, the doge Palace, San Marco Square, half an hour
Gondola Ride at exorbitant costs, a ride along the Grand Canal, the Rialto
Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs, dozens of Museums….etc.
During subsequent visits, one takes ones time to sit and
smell the roses so to speak. One may sit under the arches of the Doge Palace
and look at each column to discover, that each is differently decorated, and
each tells a little story. There are many columns and many benches and much to
discover.
The intimate beauty of Venice lies in the thousands of
easily overlooked details in architecture, painting, sculpture, stone masonry,
final touches on an old gondola, a verdigris covered door knob, or a uniquely
crafted carnival mask…
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| Hand Crafted Venecian Mask - 160 Euros!! |
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| Head of Medusa Mask (anyone would wear that on their heads) - Priceless!!! |
Apart from the eclectic delights – Italian cuisine and
Italian vino make a delectable combination, and are a delightful way to take a
break to let the impressions of lovely Venice sink in.
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| Palace Parking Lot |
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| Grand Canal during sunset |
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| Delivery `truck`replete with guard dog |
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| Santa Maria della Salute at sunset |
