I've heard so many different opinions of Venice - it was gorgeous and wonderful, crowded and smelly, grand, filled with pigeons.
Yes it was.
From the truncator, or terminal where all big vehicles seem to stop, into the city is the more industrial side of the city, a little dirty.
From our point of disembarkation, the cobblestone walks and stone buildings, bridges over canals were all grand. St. Marks square was both filled with pigeons and grand. The mosaics and paintings on this church were wonderful to behold, and mark's winged lion guarded the square.
We walked through the crowded alleyways shoving through those gathered to look at the glass shop wares. We had a tour of the Murano glass company, which included a demonstration of blowing a vase and also molding a horse standing on its hind legs. I found a beautiful pandant here, and I'm hoping Julie will turn it into a beautiful necklace ;)
We ventured back to the main street, where we hopped onto a string of gondolas for a trip through the canals of venice. Here it is true, there are places that it smells. But the lapping of the water against the boat, the conversation between the gondolier and people on wet land, and the musicians playing italian classics made it a peaceful interlude for the day.
A short walk further out into the city brought many of the same souvenir stands and hordes of people, but our final leg of this visit achieved majesty. The Grand canal, with its houses hudred of years old, boat slips, gated, landscaped courtyards, piazzas, bridges, and even a boat with a couple getting married, certainly lived up to its name.
So whichever you think you will find in Venice, you will. Anyone else have adjectives to share?
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