Ahhh...Venice!
Right to the spectacular part, are the pictures of our gondola ride through the grande and minor canals, underneath the Rialto bridge and past some of the most beautiful buildings of Venice. This was a gift from my Auntie Karen, Uncle Colin and Cousin Cooper, for which we are extremely grateful.
![IMG_2319[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446602_f15b5ca51e_m.jpg)
![IMG_2318[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446600_9b47db61e7_m.jpg)
![IMG_2167[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24449096_cb0604e737_m.jpg)
On a different and entirely more dorky note, fans of a particularly intrepid whip-cracking adventurer will be sure to enjoy this picture. I didn't see the man hole, but I believe the cafe umbrellas were covering it. Also, where are all the straw hats!? Rip off! haha.....
![IMG_2208[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24446603_40604113ce_m.jpg)

We had the stay of a lifetime in Venice, though short. Our hotel was incredible, and only seconds off of the grand canal, in a very quiet street. Everything we did or ate here will be remembered fondly.
![IMG_2353[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24446601_73f426ddfe_m.jpg)
Venice is one of the most confusing cities to navigate anywhere. Period. For this reason, I suggest you don't buy a map. Getting lost in Venice is like finding somewhere you were trying to find anyways, but didn't know existed. (Go to the bathroom before leaving the hotel however...word to the wise!)
In our short visit we went to the famous Accademia, St. Mark's Cathedral and wandered over nearly every square inch of the squares, bridges and narrow streets we could. The shoes are still smoking.
![IMG_2198[1]](http://photos21.flickr.com/24449092_d8bc6258d3_m.jpg)
.
![IMG_2330[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24449095_4001647db1_t.jpg)
Ever wonder what 65 pounds of gold leaf looks like? Look up in the incredible St. Mark's, get Anette to cover for you (coughing is the signal!) and take a deliciously 'prohibido' photo. Truly and amazing building, mosiacs cover nearly every dome and wall avaliable.
![IMG_2266[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446604_1b34050507_m.jpg)
![IMG_2347[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24449093_946b9a020b_m.jpg)
For an extra two euros, you can go into the treasury (always pay the extra two euros!). They have a particularly large collection of reliqueries and some jaw dropping pearl/diamond studded crystal bowls from up to 2000 years ago. How an exquisite (and large!) crystal bowl can survive 2000 years of history is beyond me.
![IMG_2343[1]](http://photos21.flickr.com/24449094_a593658750_m.jpg)
Yeah, I know, reliqueries are odd. I have some pictures of skulls and a shrunken, dried hand that'll blow your socks off. We're off to Vernazza next, which is a small town in the Cinque Terre (Northern Italy). No cars allowed, only donkeys! Monkey's aren't donkeys! (Hi aaron, kevin!)
![IMG_2319[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446602_f15b5ca51e_m.jpg)
![IMG_2318[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446600_9b47db61e7_m.jpg)
![IMG_2167[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24449096_cb0604e737_m.jpg)
On a different and entirely more dorky note, fans of a particularly intrepid whip-cracking adventurer will be sure to enjoy this picture. I didn't see the man hole, but I believe the cafe umbrellas were covering it. Also, where are all the straw hats!? Rip off! haha.....
![IMG_2208[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24446603_40604113ce_m.jpg)

We had the stay of a lifetime in Venice, though short. Our hotel was incredible, and only seconds off of the grand canal, in a very quiet street. Everything we did or ate here will be remembered fondly.
![IMG_2353[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24446601_73f426ddfe_m.jpg)
Venice is one of the most confusing cities to navigate anywhere. Period. For this reason, I suggest you don't buy a map. Getting lost in Venice is like finding somewhere you were trying to find anyways, but didn't know existed. (Go to the bathroom before leaving the hotel however...word to the wise!)
In our short visit we went to the famous Accademia, St. Mark's Cathedral and wandered over nearly every square inch of the squares, bridges and narrow streets we could. The shoes are still smoking.
![IMG_2198[1]](http://photos21.flickr.com/24449092_d8bc6258d3_m.jpg)
.
![IMG_2330[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24449095_4001647db1_t.jpg)
Ever wonder what 65 pounds of gold leaf looks like? Look up in the incredible St. Mark's, get Anette to cover for you (coughing is the signal!) and take a deliciously 'prohibido' photo. Truly and amazing building, mosiacs cover nearly every dome and wall avaliable.
![IMG_2266[1]](http://photos23.flickr.com/24446604_1b34050507_m.jpg)
![IMG_2347[1]](http://photos22.flickr.com/24449093_946b9a020b_m.jpg)
For an extra two euros, you can go into the treasury (always pay the extra two euros!). They have a particularly large collection of reliqueries and some jaw dropping pearl/diamond studded crystal bowls from up to 2000 years ago. How an exquisite (and large!) crystal bowl can survive 2000 years of history is beyond me.
![IMG_2343[1]](http://photos21.flickr.com/24449094_a593658750_m.jpg)
Yeah, I know, reliqueries are odd. I have some pictures of skulls and a shrunken, dried hand that'll blow your socks off. We're off to Vernazza next, which is a small town in the Cinque Terre (Northern Italy). No cars allowed, only donkeys! Monkey's aren't donkeys! (Hi aaron, kevin!)
6 Comments:
Hi Brad and Anette,
It is fantastic seeing photos of you enjoying everything Europe has to offer! The gondola shots are terrific! Your narrative and pictures of your stay in Venice reminded me of when I was there - except since I was camping I remember the mosquitos!
Take care, Lots of love, Mom and Dad
Wow, it sure sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Italy. We love Venice and cannot wait to get there. You're next stop in Vernazza is one of our most favorate spots, we know you will love it with the walks between the towns, the vistas and of course the food.
Have great time the rest of your stay in Italia!
Neil & Brenda
EXCELLENT WORK my friend, tracking down the tomb of that crusader. Most people wouldn't make that a priority on a venice trip, but I knew I could trust you.
Any trips through the countryside, make sure you keep an eye out for the Canyon of the Crescent Moon.
Son and a Nut Good to see you getting a taste of the culture in more ways than one and I'm sure it's just a small peek at all the historical features. This gives you and us all an idea where to visit on our next trip. Mother went after and got her dream job at Jaymen Homes so she starts in 2 weeks. She went to the condo to time the lightless drive to work today and says it takes 20 minutes. It is right off Deerfoot in Douglasdale.
The condo is another story with all the rain and like everybody else we are delayed into September now!
I'm doing a little rescue job for Karens Mom and Dad because they got water in their basement like a lot of people here in the "once in 40 year rain".
I am also working for Colin for the next three months or so on a little uranium project.
So with these two little changes for the mother and I we are trying to work out holidays to be down south when you are.
T.O.M.
You call that plenty of Indy references? I count two! I can't believe I paid Brad fifty bucks for access to this site.
Those are some pretty slick pictures, especially the church where X marks the spot. I like the inclusion of the Indy manhole shot. It belongs in a museum!
Hi Sweeties,
Boy did you two bring back fantastic memories of Venice for Gerry and myself. Your smiles in your gondola pictures were radiant. And to see a picture of you on the bridge, taken EXACTLY where we had ours taken, brought a huge smile to my face.
Yes, you will also love Vernazza. I am anxious to see your pictures and your comments later.
Love,
Marja & Gerry
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