Venice

Kelli did a bunch of writing a couple weeks ago and here (finally) are our Venice photos. I have been on the road for three weeks and haven't had time, sorry to those writing and asking.

I have been in the US and have some more great ones from home as well. I will let these digest before I post my US pics.

Venice was exactly as you dream it. I tried to not have too high of expectations but it was by far cooler and more romantic than I thought. Not seeing a car for three days and getting lost in impossibly narrow passageways made for some great relaxation. It was not as dirty as I had been told it would be. We did get there before the massive summer crowds (and the massive summer stink I am told). Our hotel was on the Grand Canal and was perfect. Definitely a little pricey but well worth it. The glass we bought amazed even me who I must admit am not a big fan of knick-knacks. All in all, Venice is a must do for couples, and beats Paris in my book.

Enjoy

The Grand Canal

Our one Sunny Day

Kelli and San Marco

The Campanile

Lucky Pigeon Pic

View of San Marco from the top of the Campanile

You can sort of make out our Gondolier in this one

On the Gondola Ride

Looking to the Rialto from our Hotel

Sunset from our hotel

Canal behind our Hotel

Venetian Skyline

The Grand Canal

Kelli with the Rialto Bridge

Kelli and I on the Rialto Bridge

The Bridge of Sighs

Kelli in St. Marks Square - She did not like the Pigeons

Kelli in front of our hotel on the Grand Canal

Venice and Murano

Venice is just as lovely as you picture it. The water is a beautiful green/blue and you can smell the salt water as soon as you get close to the city. We had a fabulous time and it was very romantic with a gondola ride and all! It is amazing to see all the small canals, and the Grand Canal is very enchanting. During the day there are a ton a visitors, but by night the city become a bit more quiet after the one day tourists leave. We did get a bit turned around (note: I did not say lost) a few times as you weave in and out of the streets and canals, but I think that is part of the romantic, alluring feeling that is there. Weather wise - Saturday overcast, Sunday windy and cold, Monday sunny and gorgeous - we saw it all!

We did every tourist thing we were suppose to - Piazza San Marco, The Campanile, Bridge of Sighs, went to Florians - an over priced cafe that opened in 1720, drank a Belllini (invited here), and went to Murano to buy Murano glass. We hope to return someday but hope it is still around - the city is sinking at an alarming rate of 2.5 inches per decade. Get there while it still exists!

We returned at 8 pm last night, took Dan back to the airport at 8 am this morning, and he is now in the D for one night to watch the Tigers play, then off to Cleveland for a week or so, then back to the D. Try to catch him, if you can. Some pictures to come shortly...