Venetian Surprises

A casual rise this morning, though between approx 7.45 and 9am the place is absolutely hopping. School for uni and college starts at 8am and there was a steady stream of social teenagers passing our window...or at least on the other side of the canal. This coincided with the rush hour for deliveries by boat and the garbage collection, also by boat. After 8am, the primary school children are walking the streets. Next time you look out the window, about 8.30, the walkways are the domain of the adults heading to work or escorting the kinder kids. After 9o'clock, the neighbourhood is quiet!

Today was a more casual wander, starting in cloudy conditions and ending in sunshine, stumbling upon large and small piazzas, grand churches, tiny streets and various wonderful or tacky shops. Venice was in full swing with many visitors and various boats plying the waters. Just in time for morning tea at the Florian Cafe ( overpriced but I suspect we will not be here again!) we reached San Marco Square. The lane we approached it by featured every high end brand name you could think of. Certainly an impressive square if you can ignore the humanity.

Our host, Damian, had recommended a visit to the hospital precinct. A bizarre thought but once we eventually found it, the hospital and the adjoining grand church were well worth the visit. The piazza was calm but quietly busy and we enjoyed lunch before we explored the buildings. Sun shining brightly.

Forgot to mention that our first stop was the fish and fresh produce market. A colourful market with the inky cuttlefish, live green crabs and numerous varieties of shellfish being in abundance.

An early start tomorrow for our train trip to Sienna. Thoroughly enjoyed Venice.

The building renovation crew and the supermarket delivery.

 

Tiny streets!

 

Venice's Leaning Tower!

I took a photo of Tony here, 39 years ago.

 

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