Boats and pigeons galore

The pigeons are staging a take-over. Of Piazza San Marco at least. Venice's most famous landmark is really covered in them, which isn't helped by the fact that the tourists all encourage the little devils by feeding them! Still, despite the flying vermin the place does have an awe-factor of approximately 9.6, as I stood still for about half an hour just absorbing it all (and trying not to be trampled). The outside of St Mark's Cathedral is beautifully ornate, showing off the richness that was (is??) Venice. The inside is not to be missed either - the entire ceiling is covered in gold mosaic, which can probably cause blindness if stared at for too long. They rather rush you through it (a likeness to cattle), but it's another church, so I wasn't too bothered. I've certainly seen many churches.

Bridge of Sighs

Next door is the Palazzo Ducale, the old seat of government of Venice's glory days. The rooms are huge and fantastically decorated, but of course the highlight was the Bridge of Sighs, where prisoners had their last look at the outside world before being confined.

Flying vermin

I visited the island of Murano and saw how they blow glass. I must say, I was impressed. They make it look so easy. There were tons of shops around selling every possible glass-made item contrivable. Most of these shops also had showrooms with some real masterpieces - some of it really blew me away.

Wandering around back on 'mainland Venice' I chanced upon an interesting art studio, where the artist makes pieces out of solid pieces of wood. Things like jackets hanging off coatracks (apparently in featured in Pulp Fiction!), or towels, everyday items, but remarkably true to life, for something made of wood.

I met Glory from Hawaii back at the hostel, and later that night we took a vaporetto (waterbus) 'cruise' to see Venice at night. There was a slight hiccup in the transfer of vaporetto, which ended with me getting on the wrong boat and running back to the previous stop - we were still giggling as we went to sleep.

Glass blowing!

Glass-blowing

Gondola

Rialto bridge

Scary people

St Mark's Square

Studio Livio