08.04.14 - Ready to Explore Venice

Venice

Today we woke up much earlier and were on our way by about 8:30. First stop - grocery store. We picked up some bread, cheese, prosciutto, and fruit for our breakfast. Back at our apartment we ate outside our door on an enclosed patio, where a cute little table and chairs were set up. The morning was a beautiful bright blue cloudless sky. After breakfast we made our way to the bank only to meet defeat. Both banks we tried were more office types than money exchanges. We tried the ATM again - denied! This was frustrating because we had contacted our bank before we left, letting them know our travel plans. Fortunately, credit cards work in Europe!

Our alley

Darling little Italian kids playing at the top of a bridge. 

We saw them as we were searching for a grocery store.

A beautiful mosaic just randomly placed on a wall. 

Our plan for the day was to get a vaporetto (water bus) pass for 2 days and explore as much of the city as we could.  There are lines for everything including buying water bus passes. We finally made it on a very crowded vaporetto and started chugging down the Grand Canal out around the island; destination St. Mark’s Basilica. We were about ⅔ way to the Basilica when we hopped off because I got hit with a wave of seasickness and claustrophobia.

After getting myself back together again, we started wandering up and down different alleyways, kind of heading towards St. Marks. We passed over so many canals and through different alleyways. There was something fun to see at every turn! 

The Bridge of Love Locks

As we continued our aimless explorations, I could hear piano music, which immediately piqued my curiosity. Heading towards the tinkling scales, we stumbled upon Venice’s Conservatory for Music. It was a giant building with a bit of an imposing look to it. Only serious musicians allowed here! We stuck our heads in to see what we could see, only to find that most of it was off limits to visitors. Back outside we could hear competing pianists practicing difficult sections over and over again. What a delight to stumble upon this ear treat!

Nearby, was another fun find, The Museo Della Musica. This place would fascinate my sisters. The museum is located inside an old church, San Maurizio, with a large collection of old Baroque (1600s - late 1700s) stringed instruments; mostly violins, violas, cellos, basses. There were also a collection of early guitars and clarinets.The exhibition is dedicated to Antonio Vivaldi and the music composed during that time period. We were also able to check out a display showing a violin in the various states of construction. Very cool!  

Museo Della Musica

We finally made it to St. Mark’s Square and Basilica. I don’t know what I expected, but it was grand! The square itself was massive with all kinds of designer shops and restaurants going around the perimeter. The basilica itself was beautiful, the parts not covered up for renovation. I am in awe of the craftsmanship that is displayed in these magnificent buildings. The artists are truly skilled and it is wonderful how the buildings have been preserved for so many to visit and enjoy. As with any famous monument, the crowds were smothering. 

St. Marks Square and Basilica

Where's Waldo?

Gondoliers belong to a guild which issues a limited number of licenses, only about 400. A gondolier must train for about three years after which they are required to take a major exam. They are tested on their knowledge of Venetian history, landmarks and foreign language skills. They must also demonstrate their skills in handling the gondola and their ability to manuever it in tight spaces. Although we did not take a gondola ride (it is super expensive), it was pretty cool to watch the gondolier with his gondola.

 Gondoliers

After snapping some pics, we decided to head back for an afternoon rest. We got back on the vaporetto and chugged back by way of the Grand Canal. This ride was much less crowded and the view was awesome. I don’t know how many pictures you need of the quaint buildings and houses on the canal, but I kept taking picture after picture. It will be tough to decide which ones we like best.

Later that afternoon, we made our way back to the Rialto Bridge. Again, we just wandered aimlessly, going down alleys that looked the most intriguing. By doing this, we were able to see the real Venice, real Venetians going about their evening activities. I have to say, I think I like this part of Venice so much more than the crazy crowds. 

Our Door

Larry in our courtyard

Clare standing out in the alley

We walk by this building every day. I love it!

"I can touch!"

We could tell we were getting closer to the bridge because of all the souvenir trinket shops that were becoming more numerous. Then there was the bridge! Again NOT what I expected. It was a wide bridge with all kinds of fancy shops going up and over the middle of the entire bridge. Trinkets, both cheap and expensive galore! It was fun to see all the merchants peddling their wares.

The Rialto Bridge

Panoramic shot from the Rialto Bridge

View from the Rialto Bridge

So many colorful things to buy. These are actually 

different kinds of glass souvenirs made on the island of Murano.

After fighting the crowds, we jumped on a vaporetto back to our neighborhood to grab some dinner. It was at a restaurant well off the beaten path, but one we’ve walked by many times. Being the originals we are, we both ordered a repeat of the night before. Our food was very good, but we both agreed we liked the restaurant on the canal better. After dinner, we just strolled up and over a few more bridges and down a few more alleys until we found ourselves back home for the night. But not until we had eaten some more gelato!

Substitutions when we don't eat gelato.