Wedesday

Wednesday
We planned to get up early enough to get to St. Marco by 9.30. Eileen had gone on line and paid 3 euros for a quick entrance for the day before but we arrived later than expected. When we arrived there were at least a thousand people in line. It was already getting hot. So Eileen asked if we could still use the pass and he opened the gate for us. This Basilica was built in the 11th century. St Marco's
bones have been here (originally in a previous church) since the 800's.





You can just sit inside and look and look. So much to take in. There is so much gold on the ceilings. The mosaics tell the the stories of the saints and scriptures. There was no written word. No pictures allowed. Strict rules to covered arms, all hats off and knees covered. We don't have this same reverence in the states. The outside is as impressive as the inside. The Romans made structures to last. The line was just as long when we got out - those poor people.








We had planned to go to another museum but changed our minds. We got on a boat to the island of Murano. The boat was not as crowded and went faster than the canal boats. It was about a 45 minute ride. This is where Murano glass comes from. There are many glass factories with shops . It is all beautiful. It wasn't very crowded but there were many photo opportunities. (we are thinking of our cousin, Marilyn knowing she would love this) We visited a church here -again so old and incredibly beautiful. This area has more local housing. We bought a piece of artichoke/mushroom pizza from this tiny bakery. So so good.

On our way home we stopped at the train station to reserve our tickets to Florence in the morning. We returned to our room for showers and a rest. I am listening to a conversation between Judy and Eileen. As Judy is looking out our window, she says the building across the walkway appears close enough to jump. Eileen says it could look deceiving. I am thinking no wine for Judy.


In the future we will purchase our tickets when we get off the train so we don' t waste time

We ventured out later. You can just walk and see new shops, restaurants and churches in every direction each connected with a bridge over a canal or narrow walkway. We found another quiet restaurant for light meal of spaghetti w/clams and anti pasta w/sardines and polenta. It is just fun to watch the gondoliers entertain their guests with their romantic singing. The night life here is so wonderful for everyone. There are not many street lights but activity at every square. What an experience!
We leave for Florence in the morning, catching the train at 10:30. It is a two hour ride. Joan w/help from Judy.







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