Venice, Italy

The city is built on 118 islands and has 150 canals and 400 bridges.  Venice draws nearly 200,000 visitors a day.  Motor boat wakes were not contemplated when the buildings were constructed and cause a difficult erosion issue.  Resident population has decreased to 70,000.  Many folks have moved to the mainland where housing and food  cost much less.

The Grand Canal only has three bridges spanning it.  It is only a few minute ride from the mainland to Venice by public water taxi.  Everything from a grain of salt to a refrigerator has to be floated onto the islands.  Most folks have a small refrigerator and shop daily for provisions.  Want an apple?  Buy one.  Want 2, buy one and come back when you want the other.  Just like our stores all goods are shipped to the dock and broken down in small quantities, placed on a cargo boat about the size of a semi and floated over.

The only square on Venice is called "piazza San Marco".  For us Americans St. Mark's Square.  Throngs of folks crowded the plaza as high tide brings the sea up the drains and into the square.  The line into St. Mark's was just as long the last time I visited. 

All transportation on the islands is by foot and wheeled carts.  NO CARS!  History far exceeds the 5th century buildings standing today.  The infamous Bridge of Sighs links the Doges (Mayor) Palace to the prison.  One last "Sigh" for once you crossed the bridge life was over!

This is our room on the MS Nautica

We had plenty of room including a lanai!

It sure beats the Hampton Inn

Time for the safety drill

Jane and Will Russell.  Will was my roommate at Miami U and my best-man in 1960.

Di, Will and Jane ready to explore the many islands of Venice.

Novelties anyone?

This is the infamous Bridge of Sigh. 

If you pour birdseed the pigeons will come to eat!

St. Mark's Square.  When it is high tide the square gets flooded by the sea.

More pigeons than people.  The line into St. Mark's was too long for us.  Been in too many churches already.

Photo taken of St Mark's from the far end.

All you have to do is hold out your hand and pigeons flock searching for food.

The sea comes up through the drains!

Only a small part of the line into St. Mark's

When there are paved streets they are hardly wider than two shoulder lengths

Streets in Venice are 100% water.

Hundreds of bridges connect folks to other areas

The porch on top of the roof is a luxury few can afford!

Marco Polo's abode

I like flowers!

Yes, I did donate!

Fresh vegetables -- in fact folks must shop every day.

Halloween anybody?

It is very rare to see back yard!

Lido

Many folks use mother nature to dry their clothes.

Hardly enough parking space for Sunday services

Gondolas are the best if not the only transportation to and from some points.

Many buildings are far older than the USA!

Dome is under repair.

Nice touch to this home

The main canal is buzzing with activity.

Have an extra can?

The architecture changes often, some from the 11th century. 

How about a ride to the other side?

Commercial locations on the main canal rely on boat traffic.

We walked across the Grand Canal via the Rialto bridge.

Just another pretty photo

The occupancy sure changes - church, residence, commercial all in a matter of a block.

No, the poles do not advertise a beauty or barber shop!

Actv is the main mode of transportation -- like busses in the USA

Will and Jane live in Seattle Washington.

Want to guess how they get large appliances to their apartments?

Di is standing on the Rialto bridge spanning the Grand Canal.

Hotels and stores line the main canal

The canals were clean and since it was 66 the odor I recall from my last visit was gone!

Climb aboard!

Di and Rich -- we liked the flowers above.

Jane and Will ready for a long walk.

Next stop --> Dubrovnik, Croatia