Venice - The end of an adventure

Hi all, Venice, 28 May 2007

We have spent 3 great days in Venice. It seems so relaxed here in the narrow streets along the canals. Realized the big difference is that there are no cars! just narrow alleys, people and gondolas. The main "highway" is the Grand Canal where water taxis run. They hold about 50 people and work remarkedly well. These replace city buses and taxis.

We went to St. Marks square, the Rialto Bridge, and walked many neighborhoods around the city. The Doges Palace, or the administrative center to ancient Venice was our favorite museum. The Doges were elected kings, who ruled a government with an interesting mix of church and state. They had absolute rule along with 120 elected officials. We went thru the prison below the center. In many ways it's easy to see why our country was founded on freedom of religion and a justice system with jury of your peers. I won't complain about jury duty any more or shady attorneys. This system was harsh and cruel and many times was founded on who you knew or paid. The palace and the Corrier museum gave a great taste of what Venice was like in the 1400's. They ruled the seas and were the center of commerce bringing goods from the East (Turkey) to the markets in Europe.

We visited Murano Island, near Venice Island. That is where the elegant Murano glass is made. In 1300 the city of Venice made all glass factories move to this island to avoid fires in Venice Island. It's been the glass making center ever since. We visited a glass factory and watched master glass blowers create their master pieces, some of them going for $4000 each. Beautiful glass and some smaller pieces make great gifts!! we know.

Well the trip has ended, it has been a fantastic journey covering the Mediterranean, ports along Italy, Monte Carlo, the Greek Isles and Turkey. And even Paris...well the airport...
Thanks for coming along with us.

Yours in travel
Bill