Venezia III

A few more random pics. I think I will be dreaming of La Serenissima tonight...

Venezia II

It never ceases to amaze me how unadventurous people are. The hordes of tourists all go to the same places and few venture from the beaten path. Part of the fun of exploring this city is walking aimlessly down narrow alleyways and crossing side canals. Sometimes I found myself nearly alone in some quaint piazzetta. The term 'sun drenched' comes to mind with some of these pics.

Venezia I

What can one say about Venice? La Serenissima e bellissima!! I opted to leave my auto in the hotel parking garage and take the train in. It took 25 minutes. Again, it is really hot (upper nineties). I joined the steaming masses to hoof it through the winding streets and over countless bridges. When I got to the Rialto Bridge, despite the throngs and the heat I had a moment of epiphany: this is Venice! the light, the life, the joy of the place! La vita, i colori, la gioia! It is a miracle, like no place else on earth. Later, at the Piazza San Marco, traipsing along on the hot stones in the blazing heat, I thought: We are all crazy to be out here, but that is what you do because Venezia is so special. There is no lack of photo opportunities; I took 54 shots. One becomes snap-happy. Here are some to start. I can only post a few because I don't have the right plug in order to re-charge my computer battery (every country in Europe has different plugs; aaargh!). I am leaving very early tomorrow morning, taking the autostrada north towards Udine, crossing into Austria at Villach, and on to Graz.