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Our drive from Aviano was uneventful and quick. An hour got us to the Marco Polo Venice airport where we unloaded and returned the car. Carol arrived from Amsterdam an hour or so later and we headed out to the ferry terminal at the airport for our 20 minutes scoot across the bay to Venice.
Unfortunately while boarding the boat, Andi missed a step and landed face down at the bottom of the cabin. She was pretty shook up and in a lot of pain. When we reached the Venice dock it was obvious that our next stop was the emergency room. Our host met us and arranged for the ambulance. Andi and I went to the hospital by water of course and after four or five hours it was determined that she had fractured her tibia and needed to return home for treatment. For the next four days she remained in our apartment while Bobbie, Carol and I explored Venice. In the end, with a few twists and turns, her travel insurance came through like champs and plans started coming together during our stay for her escorted return to home.
Our apartment was a Venice postcard. With windows on the canal, we had our own dock, a lovely kitchen and two bedrooms. On the first floor and just a short walk to the busy tourist streets and markets.
Our first full day was spent as usual. We found a local free walking tour and enjoyed a lively narration and tour of the local sites. Our guide was a transplanted Lithuanian and quite pleasant.
Petite mosaics on St. Marks Cathederal
Us on the Ponte Vecchio
St. Marks Square
Winged lion, symbol of Venice.
Everything is done by boats. This is a hearse.
One of the countless views os the city. This is the "street" where we live.
There are 118 islands and each one has a church.
Casanova's balcony.
Gondolas everywhere with rides for sale. 30 minutes for $100 up to six people.
Each island had a cistern, used before 1910 to capture rainwater. The holed grates lets the water drain into the underground tank. The wellhead is where water was pulled out. As Venice has been settling for centuries, the cisterns are now flooded three or fours times a year by the sea and the water collected is undrinkable. It is all piped in now from the mainland.
Narrow streets.
Our second day was devoted to a boat ride and exploring the islands of Murano and Burano. On Murano we toured a blown glass foundry and on Burano we wandered the multi-colored streets. The taxi was empty except for us but soon filled with anther 100 passengers,.
The ride over bassed by many cathedrals right on the canal's edge.
The foundry was interesting. The workman made two pieces.
We then had a bit of time to wander the small island looking at everything glass for sale in the shops,.
The is an interesting chess set...two Jewish tribes.
The island of Burano is famous for it's mutlicolored houses and shops. We wandered a bit and then enjoyed a nice seafood lunch.
The island is also famous for its leaning tower.
And as you can see it leans quite a bit. We returned to St. Marks plaza and a 30 minute walk back to our apartment where Andi had been keeping herself busy watching soap operas and making phone calls regarding her arrangements.
We spent our last day wandering the streets and doing a bit of shopping. Venice is famous for its carnival masks and we purchased a couple. Carol got her traditional Christmas ornaments to add to her collection and we readied ourselves for tomorrow's departure.
Andi secured a hotel around the corner for another two days before returning to the states for treatment.
Unfortunately while boarding the boat, Andi missed a step and landed face down at the bottom of the cabin. She was pretty shook up and in a lot of pain. When we reached the Venice dock it was obvious that our next stop was the emergency room. Our host met us and arranged for the ambulance. Andi and I went to the hospital by water of course and after four or five hours it was determined that she had fractured her tibia and needed to return home for treatment. For the next four days she remained in our apartment while Bobbie, Carol and I explored Venice. In the end, with a few twists and turns, her travel insurance came through like champs and plans started coming together during our stay for her escorted return to home.Our apartment was a Venice postcard. With windows on the canal, we had our own dock, a lovely kitchen and two bedrooms. On the first floor and just a short walk to the busy tourist streets and markets.
The first bride of 435 in the city. There are no cars, trucks, taxis, or bicycles. Everything is by foot an push cart.
Andi secured a hotel around the corner for another two days before returning to the states for treatment.
1 comment:
What a beautiful place to visit and great job on the photos.
Good to see Mom enjoying herself, we will keep following...
From Dean & Kathy
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