The picture is a mosaic composed entirely of individual tiles, each less than a half inch. Now look at this photo from the inside of the basilica, and note the tiny people near the bottom of the photo:
The entire inside of the basilica is done with millions of the same tiles, many of them gold, which makes the place glow during with reflected sunlight. Now here is a photo taken from the top of the adjacent bell tower, looking down upon the bell tower. Do you see the tiny people down there? It gives you an idea of the size of the place. It's also hundreds of years old.
Learn more at the official website for the Basilica.
Following the visit to the basilica and the top of the bell tower (the tallest building in Venice), we went next door to Palazzo Ducale, and we were overwhelmed by the art in there. All told, we spent about 6 hours, and didn't come close to seeing it all, but we needed to get some lunch and take a break.
We found a nice sidewalk cafe, and had salad, and here's Jenae, glad to finally have a seat:
We walked the 25 minutes back to our hotel, and while crossing one of the many tiny bridges, another tourist greeted us. I asked where he was from, and he replied Texas. I replied by pointing out that he would need to be more specific because he wasn't the only Texan on the bridge, although it was only him and me. He laughed, explained he was from near Houston, and our wives soon joined us for a nice visit, in spite of the fact he was an Aggie. I should also mention that the very first tourists that we met on Saturday while riding the boat from the airport to the stop near our hotel were from San Antonio, so we've been lucky to meet so many friendly folks thus far.
Jenae did just a little shopping today, and I also learned something. We've seen quite a few dogs in Venice, and apparently the more photos you take of dogs, the more likely you are to step in dog by-product. Apparently, I took too many such photos, although it was only two. Go figure.
The weather has been just great during our time in Venice, with temps in the low 80's, and slightly sticky, and no rain. Tomorrow we board a train and ride over to spend a couple days in a small village (Manarola) on the west coast of Italy. The exchange rate has also worked in our favor, about $1.36 per Euro, the best it's been in several months.
Before I sign, off, here's a view of the Grand Canal with the moon rising this evening:
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ReplyDeleteSome of useful translations of Italian words.
ReplyDelete‘ciao’ [chow]; interjection; means hello or goodbye. If the person leaves after you say it, you said goodbye.
‘innuendo’ [in-you-end-oh]; noun; means suppository. If the person offers you this, say “ciao” and get out of there.
I love the picture of the moon rising! It sounds and looks like you're seeing some amazing places. I hope the train ride goes smoothly for you. Ciao!
ReplyDeleteLove, Mindy
Here's new friend from Verona (Garda Lake area). JT posted this journal and it seems you're going to Manarola. Unless you wrote a wrong village name, you are going to La Spezia territory. Manarola is part of 5 lands (5 terre). I dunno how long you'll be staying here in Italy, but, if you have a chance, and would like to visit Verona (Juliet & Romeo town) knock on my door. Here's my mobile phone number +39 (area code, you may no need to dial 39) 348 2832064.
ReplyDeleteCiao and welcome to Italy.
Nicola DP
Hello Nicola!
ReplyDeleteYour offer is very kind, but today (Wednesday) we are in Manarola, and tomorrow we are going to Florence, where we have reservations at a hotel and the Uffizi.
Thank you very much! You are lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
Ciao,
Matt
Thanks Matt
ReplyDeleteJT told me you'll be staying here in Italy for 2 weeks, so, if you want, just give me a call & it'll be a pleasure to share with you few hours. Thanks for "..this beautiful place.."
Nicola