One of the best things about Venice was our wanderings. We would literally head out from the hotel with one person taking the lead, and making random decisions about direction whenever coming to an intersection. Yes! – we did re-trace our footsteps many times (we lost count of the times we saw the Rialto bridge), but we also ended up in new parts of the island.
It is surprising how many churches can be found in a relatively small space of land. We found delight in the many bridges, canals, alleyways and shop windows. So much to see and different at every turn. It was amazing to see the rise and fall of water and the schools of tiny fish which invade the canals at certain times of the day.
After our Gondola ride and a lunch of paninis we headed to the Basilica Di San Marco for a visit. Incredible mosaics cover almost every surface with phenomenal detail. The steep climb up to the museum and terrace was worth it with great views over the square and a closer view of the mosaics and tapestries of the Basilica.
More wanderings and our day was done. Back to the hotel to repack for our early start tomorrow.
Up before dawn we had to catch a 5:40am ferry from San Marco back to the train station. We walked through Piazza San Marco without another soul present, not even a pigeon – something which is impossible during daylight hours. “Where do the pigeons go at night?”.
Whilst it was an early start, it was a truly special time to be on the canals of Venice. Dark buildings and bright lights giving way to the gradual creep of the sun above the horizon. I had great fun with my iPhone, taking heaps of photos but holding it in a death-grip to avoid a watery death.
We arrived safely (phone intact) at the train station with time to spare for a traditional Italian breakfast of coffee and pastries before boarding our first train on the way to Lucerne.
