Venice Part II

Eric here. I wanted to post some additional photos from our trip to Venice. I think it is one of the must-see cities due to its abundance of opulent renaissance (and older) art and architecture crammed onto to small islands that are slowly sinking into the Adriatic Sea.

The audacity to build these amazing buildings on what was only a muddy lagoon is impressive to say the least.

You have to remember that Venice has no cars or bicycles, no roads or proper streets. It is all narrow stone pedestrian lanes or water canals. So, you either walk or take the water taxis or water buses or if you have loads of money, a gondola.

Kusi and I really enjoyed a classical music performance we went to in what was an old church. The group consisted of 4 violins, viola, cello, bass and harpsichord. They played mostly the works of native son Antonio Vivaldi including his famous 'Four Seasons'. The group had a flamboyant celloist that made the show. Here is a link to their website where you can have a listen to them - Interpreti Veneziani.

One of the main highlights of Venice is San Marco Piazza. Kusi described the church and piazza in her Blog but it is so impressive, I wanted to show you two more views. One of me standing outside.

And the next one taken from above the piazza in the Bell Tower where I was freezing my butt off.

I have included a photo of one of my favourite pastimes - eating Italian Ice Cream also known as Gelato. Doesn't get much better than this. That's Pistachio in case you are wondering.

We visited a small collection of machines that Leonardo Da Vinci designed. The exhibt wasn't that good as it was billed as "interactive" but wasn't in the least bit. But, they did have some fascinating things including his obsession with trying to figure out how to make man fly.

On our snowy Sunday we took a tour of the famed La Fenice Opera House. Transalated as "The Phoenix", this gorgeous and appropriately named opera house has burnt down and been rebuilt a number of time. We were only allowed to take pictures in the foyer.

It was lovely weekend, a wonderful experience and great to be back in Italy. Next up, Japan!