A flood of photos from Venice | Cary Family Weblog

This is the final blog from our Europe trip. I loved every stop on our trip, but Venice was the hottest, sweatiest, most emotional and a real highlight of the journey. Looking at the photos it was hard to be selective for the above reasons and also, the details in the photos revealed things I didn’t see while taking them!

We last left off at Gare du Lyon, about to board the night train for Venice (Thello is its name). Here are some photos from the train as we approach Venice.

In our 3 bunk berth – excuse the early morning bleary faces!

Approaching the end of the causeway and Venice!

The following shots place our AirBnB apartment. Just across the pedestrian bridge over the Grand Canal from St. Lucia train station. This bridge has stairs and is a good reason to only have 1 bag in Venice. Otherwise, you’re dragging your ton of luggage or paying a porter – every few yards you’re crossing a bridge, though not this big.

Constituzione bridge from train station across the canal.

We couldn’t have had a more convenient apartment for getting in and out on our short night stay. Across the bridge from the train station we came in on, and around the block from the bus station (to the airport).

Four windows of our Apartment facing the rand canal.

You can see the big bridge we came in on in the background behind this beautiful hotel, and then a typical “every block” bridge in the foreground.

A good overview of Venice is a trip on the Vaporetti (water bus) route 1 (local) or 2 (express) down the Grand Canal. Here are some of the things we saw – we got a 24 hour pass, and it was worth it for all our rides.

We took the local as far as Rialto bridge.

I was fascinated by the “side street” canals.

We got off at Rialto Bridge and went shopping. Great fun and a chance to wander a bit and get a look at local sights.

You refill your bottle from the fountains.

Taking a break from exploring, we stopped for some ice cream and to get our bearings.

Rick Steve’s guidebook and City2Go Maps on our iPad were so helpful.

Continuing our water bus journey to St. Marks we saw more typical Venice.

Private boat. It would be fun if we could rent one next time.

Of the many shots of gondola, this one stand out for its secret message.

Between the Doge’s palace and prison, the bridge of sighs, a MUST POSE location. More on this later from the whole family.

This was our splurge for the trip – dinner on St. Marks square at the 300 year old Cafe Florian. In the summer the square’s cafes host bandstands and outdoor tables. I cried through the first two songs, just so happy to be there with Cary and Meridith. Cary was thrilled as the clock tower “Moors” struck the hour behind us. And the orchestra played on. We didn’t quite close the place, but we stayed far into the night.

The next day, we returned by water bus and explored the landmarks at St. Marks square. The Correo museum could be a day in itself. Cary didn’t get to see inside the gilded basilica on her last visit and was thrilled to see the 23 centuries old bronze horses at the museum inside. The Doge’s palace reflects the wealth of a continuous and successful government of almost 500 years.

Crowded water bus, not as bad as subway!

St. Marks square, Cafe Florian’s bandstand at left.

The bandstands, ready for the evening crowds.

Replica’s of the horses at the museum inside.

The winged lion, symbol of St. Mark’s Gospel.

No kidding it was uneven! Far end threatened to pitch you against the railing.

Golden St. Marks – only photo vantage of the inside.

The “Giants Stair” to the Doge’s palace.

Room after room in the palace was painted like this one.

Between the Doge’s palace and the prison was the so-called Bridge of Sigh, as translated by poet Lord Byron. The name comes from the sigh a criminal would let out on seeing their last glimpse of beautiful Venice. Here are our photos of the bridge.

Looking down on the bridge and the prison.

Inner courtyard – beautiful compared to the cells.

Kiss under the bridge as the sun goes down.

OK, enough mush. Now for creepy mystery! Off to San Zachariah church where they not only have the legendary body of the father of John the Baptist (hence Zachariah) but also a creepy flooded crypt containing the tombs of several Doges!

Arriva derci Venice. We hope to visit you again.

After San Zacharia – captured by “Wifi & Airconditioning” restaurant. Also ICE!

Farewell to elegant daughter flight back to London.

Back home, Pesky tries on her cat sitter’s present.

This was our next to last blog (unless Meridith will do a one!). We’ve already begun our “Recommended” post where we will share some of our best resources for the success of the such a trip. Lord willing perhaps we’ll see your blogs from Europe some day!