Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Third Stop: Venice, Italy-Part Two

After a great night of sleep, Melissa and I were both so excited to be heading back to Venice for some more fun!

(Again, just ignore us. Thanks!)



Even though Melissa and I were on holiday (I just love saying that), it was just another work day for the people who live and work in Venice.
The Grand Canal was full of traffic.....but a much different kind of traffic than in America.



I loved this shot of some sea gulls. What a place God gave them to live...amen?



Although Venice at sunset was definitely something to see, it was even more lovely in the day time. I loved how blue the gondola covers were; they looked so beautiful all lined up with the sun shining on them. Can you imagine getting to see this view every day?



This next picture is of two very large columns. When you get to these columns, you are entering St. Mark's Square.



It is a busy place with so many people bustling about. And there were a lot of pigeons.....everywhere. This man and woman were letting the pigeons land on them.

It was interesting to see, but I did not join in the fun.



All of the pigeon activity that you just saw took place right in front of this amazing building. I think that it is called The Doge's Palace.



Here is a picture of St. Mark's Basilica (or Cathedral). It is the most beautiful building. I simply do not have words to describe it.



There is not a spot on it that is not covered with something ornate and beautiful.



Here is a picture Melissa took of me standing in front of the Cathedral. Do you notice the art work that is up in the arches on the front of the building?



Here are a couple of shots that I took of those arches. I zoomed in so that you could see some of the detail. The art work on this building is incredible!



And these pictures are just on the outside of St. Mark's Basilica.....Can you imagine the beauty and details on the inside?



Melissa and I did not get to go inside St. Mark's Basilica, but some of the people that were in our group did, and they said it was simply breathtaking.

This clock tower, besides displaying the time, also shows the phases of the sun and moon and the movement of the sun through the signs of the zodiac.



I loved the dark blue and gold colors together. In the sunlight it was quite stunning. My son, Matthew, said that this tower was described in detail in a book that he recently read, so he was excited to see the real thing.

However, I did not trust that the time on this clock was correct for even one minute.



I'm just saying is all.

I will have more to show you from our day in Venice tomorrow, but for now I will end with this.

Before we left for Italy, so many people told us, "You have to eat some gelato while you are there!" And since we are both reasonable adults.....eat gelato we did.

Everywhere.

And Venice was no exception.

Gelato is very, very goooood!



I have told you in previous posts that I am extremely somewhat messy. This picture is just one of many examples of my messiness. Notice Melissa's mouth is free and clear of any gelato....

Where as mine looks like a "Got Milk?" "Got Gelato?" add.

17 comments:

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Amy-I love this jouney I am taking with you though your blog and these pictures are absolutley beautiful!!! Keep sharing friend! I especially loved the chapel paintings.

You are a blessing!!

In His Graces~Pamela

Paula V said...

Ames,
Can you imagine the mere concept of having water flowing between cities and rows of buildings? It's just so wild to be able to see the water from every point and every building. I believe there is something magical about water.

That sure did look like real gold on those building arches with the paintings. I bet that gold or gold color really shined. Do you know if it's real gold? I wouldn't be surprised if it was. Other countries seem to be so artsy.

Wow. I noticed how blue the sky was and it even matched the blue on the clock tower. I do believe that rich, dark blue sky color is my favorite. I have many photos from vacations with blue skies like that. So gorgeous.

Oh, and if your got gelato pic is messy, good gravy, I'd hate to see mine. Rather it's probably a sight to see me eat ice cream (gelato) because of my lame attempt to miss my lips. So, how does gelato differ from our Americano ice cream. (I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!...remember that?)
Thanks, Ames. Hope you're okay witht the name, Ames. Smiling here.
Paula

Hula Girl at Heart said...

Wow! It just gets better and better. Imagine walking past all of that beauty to go to work every day.

Tracey said...

What a fun trip! I am so jealous!

Beth said...

What a fun trip! You make me want to go to Venice.... maybe someday when my girls are grown.
Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day to wish me a happy birthday. My sister (Jamie) certainly surprised my by posting on my own blog.

The Laundress said...

Absolutely gorgeous.

Gelatto and all.

Gina said...

How beautiful!! I am definately going to add "going to Venice" to my bucket list. :) That cathedral was amazing. I love how ornate and detailed the buildings are in Europe. Simply amazing!!

Mmmmmm!! Italian gelato...it is the best. Can't wait to see part 3.

God bless,
Gina

Jamie said...

Amazing!

I wouldn't be joining in the pigeon fun either! But I would join in eating gelato.

Lelia Chealey said...

How fun! There were no gondola rides in North Carolina, but God gave us the ride of my life that's for sure! Wish you could've been there with us!
Can't wait to "travel" with you some more. I'm loving all these beautiful pictures you're sharing with us!
Blessings,
Lelia

Gina said...

Hi Amy! I found your blog through "My Sweet Life" and I thought I'd better comment since I clicked on most of the photos. I thought you might be wondering. ;) I've been enjoying your trip details and photos (it's better to click on them and look at all the detail!) and I have prayed for your back situation, too! I am a christian also so I like to visit blogs that inspire me to have a closer walk with God so yours fits the bill. ;) ~Gina

Denise said...

Well, I just spent another great day in Venice too! I love being on holiday :) The pictures are so beautiful. You should add photographer (if you haven't already) to you list of many talents. Your gelato lip is way too funny! Can't wait until tomorrow.
Denise

Mia said...

Is it just me or are the blues just so much blue-er over there? Thanks to you every morning I go to Europe!!
Have a great day my friend!
Blessings

Tina said...

Passing you a napkin...

Beautiful pictures!!

Kellan said...

Another great day and wonderful pictures. You remind me so much of my dear friend, Vicki - who happens to be visiting me right now from Utah!

Have a good day - Kellan

Jenny said...

Those are some great pictures! Can I hide in your suitcase next time??

Jen

Aleisha said...

Yes, Gelato is good. I get it all the time, when I can. (My butt tries to talk me out of it.) The art work here is amazing, but they don't like you taking pictures of it. The flash fades the art work, and sometimes they will yell at you. Stinkers. Can't wait to go myself and see it. Beautiful pictures.

Anonymous said...

Oh Amy!! I just love taking this journey with you....and you absolutely crack me up!!!

Thanks for the laugh - I needed that.