If you’ve been following along, you’ll be glad to know that the rain in Venice has stopped, at least for now. I’ve dried myself off, wrung out my wet clothes, and packed them in a plastic bag. I’m ready to take a cruise. The sad news is that we have to say good-bye to Venice. But the good news is that we’re going to say hello to the Greek Isles! Continue reading “Good-bye Venice, Hello Greek Isles!”
Time to Say “Arrivederci” to Venice
It’s time to say “Arrivederci” to Venice. On our last night, we went out for a nice dinner, came back to the hotel, and started packing. The television was on while we were packing. There was the usual stuff. Then there was this… Continue reading “Time to Say “Arrivederci” to Venice”
Venice’s Jewish Ghetto
Lying in bed in our Venice hotel room early this morning, wide awake, I was thinking about a place in Venice called the Jewish Ghetto. I had read about it and was intrigued. It would be a lengthy hike, but I decided to go for an early-morning walk to check it out. Continue reading “Venice’s Jewish Ghetto”
The Gondola – She’s a Beautiful Thing
If you’ve been following along, you know that we’re in negotiations with a gondolier who’s on his home turf and seems to have the upper hand. OK. He definitely has the upper hand. But let’s get back to what makes gondolas so unique and special. A gondola is a beautiful thing. Continue reading “The Gondola – She’s a Beautiful Thing”
Being Taken for a (Gondola) Ride
It’s a beautiful night in Venice, Italy – a nice evening for a gondola ride. We’ve been negotiating with a gondolier. (Negotiations started here). It’s been tough going so far. I don’t want to be a cheapskate. Let’s just say the only ride I want to be taken for tonight is the one in the gondola. Continue reading “Being Taken for a (Gondola) Ride”
Nighttime Gondola Ride
Each afternoon here in Venice, we spend time watching gondolas full of tourists ply the waters of the canal behind our hotel. It’s a laid-back scene. Gondoliers belt out Italian classics everyone knows. Their voices echo off the walls of the surrounding buildings. Everyone is happy and having fun. We’re going to take a gondola ride ourselves – tonight! Continue reading “Nighttime Gondola Ride”
The Battle of Lepanto
In the 16th century, the Republic of Venice was at its peak of prosperity. But Venice’s days as a superpower were numbered. Turkey emerged as the new powerhouse in the Mediterranean, and they were on a roll, headed north and west into Europe. East met West in the largest naval battle of the times – the Battle of Lepanto. Continue reading “The Battle of Lepanto”
Old Venice’s Amazing Shipyard – The Arsenale
A half-century ago, thanks to its dominance of East-West trade, Venice was a wealthy independent superpower. Its trading ships were unlike any others. Its navy ruled the Mediterranean. All of those ships were built in one place – the Venetian shipyard called the Arsenale. Continue reading “Old Venice’s Amazing Shipyard – The Arsenale”
The Biennale d’Arte di Venezia
My doctor is into modern art. When he found out I was going to Venice, he got excited and said, “You have to go to the Biennale!” I vaguely remember my response. “Oh, the Biennale… oh yeah… in Venice… Oh yes, that’s on our to-do list… up towards the top.” So guess what? We have a free day in Venice, so we’re going to the Biennale! Continue reading “The Biennale d’Arte di Venezia”
The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side
We’re in Venice, Italy, touring the Doge’s Palace. We’re having a fine time, ooing and aahing as all good tourists do. We’ve seen some spectacular rooms, but now it’s time to explore the other side of the Doge’s palace – the dark side. Continue reading “The Doge’s Palace – the Dark Side”
