Alexander Venice

... Ages through the Renaissance, and connects the works on canvas to the sculptural works that preceded them. We were glad that we visited here last , because it tied together everything that had come before. (The Rick Steeves audio guides helped tremendously!)

Tomorrow, we set out for our road trip through Tuscany and, hopefully, a couple of days at a less hectic pace, visiting the hill towns on our way back to Rome.

Can't believe we only have two days left!

... man in order to attempt to salvage his dead father’s soul. Regardless of the intent, it is an amazing site for both artistic and religious reasons.
The rest of the day was spent driving the Autostrada from Padua to Florence. Up and down mountain with gigantic trucks weaving across the lane lines, everyone at maximum speed and tailgaiting like nothing you would ever see in the U. S. And, yet,

... they no longer swarm the tourists. But it you still have to watch out for the Pigeon Poop! The Basillica was another feast for the eyes - and ears! As we approached the central altar, imagine our surprise as the “theme” from Phantom of the Opera suddenly blasted from the organ!
Next, we toured the Peggy Guggenheim Museum. This wealthy American woman, who lived in an palatial home on the Grand Canal, had two great loves: her dogs and modern art. After her death, her ...

... to the Germans. There are now only about 400 Jews left in the area.

Had a nice lunch after all my walking having ended up near the Piazza dei Mori, which is named for the Moors who lived in the area. It was also close to Madonna dell Orto church which they call Tintoretto’s Church because he did most of the paintings and lived very near there. It was beautiful but I was tired so hoped on the vaporetto and took a ride around Venice. This is a great ...

... find. Then it started raining, I mean it IS Venice, so what more could you expect? But it wasn’t bad, so (after I bought an umbrella) we kept walking.

The next day was spent the same way, though without Steve. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed tracking down gondolas. We found a great little place that sold yummy ham and cheese Paninis, and had a surprisingly wonderful few days. Next stop: Rome.

... audio commentary. It still seemed like I didn’t have enough time, though. There are so many beautiful buildings and palaces along the Grand Canal, I think I’ll have to do this trip again if I have time.

The vaporetto dropped me off back at St. Mark’s Square and I took a break while I figured out what to do next. I went to Venice’s one and only park, which is very small. I wanted to go to dinner at a restaurant recommended by Rick Steves, but they didn ...

... How easy is it to imagine this happening during the Renaissance? I'm a bit worn out, and as amazing as this has all been, I'm happy that this adventure will be coming to an end soon. Tomorrow is the train ride back to Rome, and then home. Unless something interesting happens, this will likely be my last post here. I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, and can't wait to see you all again. Ciao.

... get fond of. Mai was beginning to become jealous of the birds. Ooops, I'm just kidding bebi. Just that it was soo fun feeding them. MAI: I think i might want ...

... of white fluffy sheep grazing on the hilly pastures. The towns are made up of historical little buildings and houses with red flowers pouring off the balconies. There is always a tall pointed church tower in every town no matter how small. There are not one, but many garden knomes adorning the gardens of the locals' homes. I half expected a little toy train to come around the mountain as I gazed at the beauty of Austria...then I realized, I was in that toy train.

... cheese sandwiches in the Piazza, listening to a string quartet. We finish off our evening with an ice cream sundae covered with Amaretto. Good times. With my buzz coming on quick and darkness now falling all over the city, we wait for our water bus back to the train station.... and we wait.... and wait. We figured we missed a sign somewhere as no boats are stopping for us. We find the next closest stop just in time for a ...