Afternoon in Venice

For the sake of the awkward Internet cafe I am at, I am going to make this quick. I am currently in a little resort town in Italy, called Lido de Jesolo. Theres not much to do here and I think its kind of a has-been town. Very dated. Were about a hundred yards from the beach, and I hung out and played games with friends in the sand all evening. Buy a few bottles of cheap wine and surround yourself with friends and you have yourself a perfect evening (better if the wine wasnt cheap...then again, the scenery makes up for it.)

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, and I should first finish recounting my journies in Florence. Florence, Florence! Unbelievable. Fantastic shopping, the best gelaterias around, and lovely sights. I woke up yesterday morning and did a bit of shopping and wandering. There is a fantastic market set up in the streets, where vendors sell leather bags, wallets, jewelry, etc. etc. Their prices are ridiculous but you never under any circumstances take anything for ticket price --- youve got to learn to haggle, and Ive become quite the negotiator! At noon I met up with my group for a visit to the Accademia, where Michelangelos David resides. I think David needs his own paragraph:

I didnt think it was possible for stone to steal my thoughts, attention --- my breath even. David was outright gorgeous, stunning. You could see his veins, every muscle, everything incredible. It looked as if he actually could breathe, and had organs. And he is TALL, much taller than Id pictured. I wish I could find better words for him. I feel under pressure as the person to my left is staring at me.

They dont allow you to take photographs of David, and I didnt care to. He speaks for himself, another thing that a photograph could not do justice for. Also, watching the reactions of others when they see him is outstanding. Everyone -- everyone is in awe, and hardly anyone says anything at all. The room was quiet of amazement.

Today we made a day trip to Venice, where I spent an incredible afternoon. We took a ferry, and upon arrival made St. Marks our first stop. Its an 11th century cathdral made of pirate loot and hands down ---and I know Ive said this many time before but-- hands down one of the coolest, most beautiful places Ive visited in my life. Absolutely stunning. I paid a little extra to get close to the altar, where St. Marks remains are, and the greatest of the loot: hundreds of rubies, sapphire, pearls, and other precious gems embedded in vast gold. The ceilings of the entire cathedral are gold mosaic. I am speechless.

Afterward I visited Doges Palace (cool) and took a trip across the Bridge of Sighs, the passageway that prisoners took from their cells into the palace for sentencing. I had a wonderful Rick Steves recommended lunch on a cozy street, grabbed some gelato then jumped on a gondola for an afternoon ride through the canals of Venice. WOW! I felt like I was in The Italian Job, minus the speedboat. It was terribly relaxing and beautiful to match. There is nothing...nothing like Venice. You dont see cars on the island, just boats, as water replaces streets! Very, very unique.

Tomorrow we are off to Salzburg for an overnighter. Hopefully the hills will be alive (with the sound of music...haha!) Ahhh. Time is so precious...

The man from the Internet cafe has invited me to karaoke this evening at the bar. Mamma mia! I might have to round up some friends after dinner!

Love again, and love always. Ciao!

jc