During our first day in Venice we ran into Varun, from India, he was a pleasure to have with us for our first day and i think he really enjoyed the company. i haven't had time to upload pictures yet but me and Sarah are found in many of his Venice pictures, so please take a look!!
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/varungiri/Venice?authkey=Gv1sRgCODE4umA9JXEfQ#
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The bells rang ...
16th
Today we got up and ate some buns we bought from a Venetian bakery yesterday covered in nutella and peanut butter. We managed to grab the 1100 bus down to Venice and proceeded to walk towards the only bridge in Venice that has stores all across the bridge called Realto Bridge. From here we headed straight for our now favourite gelatto place. Straciatella is by far my favourite and Sarah raves about the chocolate. As we Sarah worked on hers I led us towards San Marco, OR the direction I thought was towards San Marco. Many small alleyways and bridges later we ended up.... INFRONT of the Gelatto store 10 min later. Sarah took another attempted at it and lead us right to the square. We toured the Doges Palace, which is immense and ornate. The palace contains one of Europes Largest rooms, with floor too ceiling painting and elaborate gold coated wood and depictions of biblical events and various Doges lining the ceiling. Traveling across the bridge of Sighs, famous for as it was the bridge that connected the Doges Palace and the prison on the other side of the canal. We grabbed some cheap 2 Euro Pizza before heading up to the top of Campanile Bell tower, which overlooks the whole San Marco Square. The View is Breathtaking and worth the 8 Euro to take the elevator. We arrived just before 6 in hopes to hear the bells, but one by one the towers around us went off and Campanile remained silent. Also in the square is the Torre dell'Orologio, which has a lovely blue clock which displays the time with one hand, as well as in numbers which change every 5 minutes. Above the top of the tower is a large bell and two men holding Sledge Hammers, the statues move to hit the tower. After being disappointed and trying to decide what to do from the top of the tower, we found our selves covering our ears at around 630 quiet a thing to see and hear. After we headed to the Academia, a building containing many large pieces of art, (which many were taken by Napoleon during the raid of Venice in the 17th century) This was very interesting for some pictures as they depicted sections of the bible which Sarah was more then happy to fill me in on. Sadly no air conditioning (or tops on the bathroom toilets...??) After we headed back near the Railto Bridge for dinner at another location recommended by Rick.
Today we got up and ate some buns we bought from a Venetian bakery yesterday covered in nutella and peanut butter. We managed to grab the 1100 bus down to Venice and proceeded to walk towards the only bridge in Venice that has stores all across the bridge called Realto Bridge. From here we headed straight for our now favourite gelatto place. Straciatella is by far my favourite and Sarah raves about the chocolate. As we Sarah worked on hers I led us towards San Marco, OR the direction I thought was towards San Marco. Many small alleyways and bridges later we ended up.... INFRONT of the Gelatto store 10 min later. Sarah took another attempted at it and lead us right to the square. We toured the Doges Palace, which is immense and ornate. The palace contains one of Europes Largest rooms, with floor too ceiling painting and elaborate gold coated wood and depictions of biblical events and various Doges lining the ceiling. Traveling across the bridge of Sighs, famous for as it was the bridge that connected the Doges Palace and the prison on the other side of the canal. We grabbed some cheap 2 Euro Pizza before heading up to the top of Campanile Bell tower, which overlooks the whole San Marco Square. The View is Breathtaking and worth the 8 Euro to take the elevator. We arrived just before 6 in hopes to hear the bells, but one by one the towers around us went off and Campanile remained silent. Also in the square is the Torre dell'Orologio, which has a lovely blue clock which displays the time with one hand, as well as in numbers which change every 5 minutes. Above the top of the tower is a large bell and two men holding Sledge Hammers, the statues move to hit the tower. After being disappointed and trying to decide what to do from the top of the tower, we found our selves covering our ears at around 630 quiet a thing to see and hear. After we headed to the Academia, a building containing many large pieces of art, (which many were taken by Napoleon during the raid of Venice in the 17th century) This was very interesting for some pictures as they depicted sections of the bible which Sarah was more then happy to fill me in on. Sadly no air conditioning (or tops on the bathroom toilets...??) After we headed back near the Railto Bridge for dinner at another location recommended by Rick.
15th
We took the Grand canal number 1 which is a 45 min ride on the public transit...down the grand canal, getting off at San Marco, we waited for the Island Tour, which goes to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano we watched glass-makers work magic, in a very hot demonstration, and walked through the shop after in awe at the prices. In Burano we watched a quick demonstration on lace, and picked up a few trinkets. On Torcello we went the the islands 10th Century Church. Once back at San Marco Plaza, we grabbed dinner at a self serve restaurant which was recommended by Rick Steves, sadly, Not impressed. And on to some wonderful Gelatto just easy of the Ralto Bridge. We watched the sun set in the Plaza and I enjoyed a red wine on the side of the canal.
We took the Grand canal number 1 which is a 45 min ride on the public transit...down the grand canal, getting off at San Marco, we waited for the Island Tour, which goes to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano we watched glass-makers work magic, in a very hot demonstration, and walked through the shop after in awe at the prices. In Burano we watched a quick demonstration on lace, and picked up a few trinkets. On Torcello we went the the islands 10th Century Church. Once back at San Marco Plaza, we grabbed dinner at a self serve restaurant which was recommended by Rick Steves, sadly, Not impressed. And on to some wonderful Gelatto just easy of the Ralto Bridge. We watched the sun set in the Plaza and I enjoyed a red wine on the side of the canal.
To Venice!
After a quick flight from Victoria to Seattle, I found my new home for the next 4 hours as I awaited the plane. The flight sure didn't feel like ten hours, if pretend that the baby wasn't crying for 8 of those 10... After getting out of the plane in Paris, I booked it through boarder crossing and the security line-up, to make it with just enough to have a quick bathroom break. It's hard to explain how excited I was on the decent seeing Venice. After spending about 20 minutes to get a bus ticket, (and 6 counters) I finally a. found out where to buy tickets, find a space that would give me change, and then finally back to the ticket booth to buy the ticket. Sarah was there to meet me although I was about 40 minutes late.
Once I had settled in the decent, air-conditioned room we headed into town on a public bus. Joining us from India for the day was (Varun? From India). Together we spend the rest of the afternoon lazily strolling through Venice and its many MANY side-streets. Taking plenty of pictures, I swear there has not been a new building in Venice since the 18th / 19th century. After getting thoroughly lost, which I do not admit to normally, but Venice is no ordinary city. We managed to see San Marco Square and its tower. And of course the doges palace. The square is impressive and filled with tourists from around the world. We spent some time time in one of the many churches, this one looks directly ad the square from the other side of the grand canal, San Maria del salute. We grabbed Gellato and later we sat next to the grand canal as the sun set eating the most amazing Tortellini for dinner.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Pre-trip avec Jess!
So its the night before i leave on my two week trek across Italy and Greece. Jess and I have been hanging out, grabbing a last minute adapter needed in both countries and going to chill out and watch a movie.
I am pretty much stoked for this trip and what will the two weeks to come will hold. Great food, amazing views and of course good company :) I will do my best to keep you guys updated when i can. a few pictures and a daily update. For those of you who do not know, I am meeting up with Sarah Stang, tomorrow in Venice, who i am lucky enough to be able to steal her laptop.
I will arrive in Venice on Sunday just before noon, and stay til the 18th. Flying to Athens next and staying for around 5 days before heading over to Rome, where i will leave Sarah to continue her trek to northern italy on the 28th.
Ciao!
I am pretty much stoked for this trip and what will the two weeks to come will hold. Great food, amazing views and of course good company :) I will do my best to keep you guys updated when i can. a few pictures and a daily update. For those of you who do not know, I am meeting up with Sarah Stang, tomorrow in Venice, who i am lucky enough to be able to steal her laptop.
I will arrive in Venice on Sunday just before noon, and stay til the 18th. Flying to Athens next and staying for around 5 days before heading over to Rome, where i will leave Sarah to continue her trek to northern italy on the 28th.
Ciao!
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