Venice: Queen of the Adriatic

It was about 3 years ago that my mother, grandmother, and I visited Italy
(all for the first time). After five days of exploring Rome and Naples I knew
that someday I'd be back for more.  Soon after our excursion I learned of the
more northern attractions in Italy:  Venice, Florence, Milan, Siena, etc.  Being
the realist that I am, I silently thought to myself, "Oh how incredible it will
be to one day visit these places.  Maybe when I'm in my mid 50's . . . after the
kids are moved out.  Me and my husband.  Ample amounts of money. Can't
wait."  So when my mother and I planned a two week trip in Europe with an
open itinerary, Venice was an unquestionable destination.  Loved it.  Love it.

The city of water.  Here we are, soaking up the "Venetian experience" atop
the Rialto Bridge.

Our bed and breakfast for a couple of nights.  Mother's pick.  Adorable yes?
Enjoyed wandering (and getting lost) amidst the random streets, alleyways,
and bridges.  Meet some hilarious locals (Side note: Italian men?  Swell.  Loved
their humor, graciousness, and personality.) , stopped in at random cathedrals,
and enjoyed just being in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Croissants, yoghurt and muesli, baguette, sweet pastry, and juice.
Europeans love a good low carb breakfast.

Piazza San Marco.  Busiest square in Venice.  Loved the constant flow of
music from different restaurants.  Good energy here.

FIIINALLY.  Delicious Italian food. Probably 60% (or more) of my excitement
over coming to Italy.  Most meals consisting of a pizza, some type of pasta,
bread, and greens.  Always followed by a dessert or pastry of some sort.
This . . . is satisfaction.

The beautiful and incredible San Marco Basilica.
Gold mosaics everywhere depicting mostly biblical
stories and honoring people of importance.

I was blown away by how detailed and intricate these gorgeous mosaics
were.  Each of these tiles were about the size of an average fingernail (as
opposed to a not so average fingernail).

View from the basilica, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

I cannot even imagine how crowded this would be on a summer day.  People
people everywhere.  (Doges palace on the left.)

Inside the courtyard of the Doges palace.

Another area in the courtyard.

Taking the ever-so-necessary gondola ride.  This photo shows as proof to
how clueless some people are when it comes to photography.  "Excuse me,
but could you take a photo for us?"  Guess I should have specified that we
really didn't need a close up of just our faces.  

"Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between
man and the universe." -Anatole France