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.