Celebrating the day

Today was a day for adventure and exploration. Stepping out from the Hotel I look directly across to the Island of Giudecca but it was not my destination. Turning right I walked peacefully to the Piazza St Marco. Fortunately March is not a busy tourist time so there were no crowds to obscure the wonder of the square itself. The Campanile rears gracefully upwards and though today the sun did not shine onto its golden statue crowning its top, it was a wonderful centrepiece to the square.

Walking the perimeter of the Square are shops and here alas is where the tourists get trapped! In front of a coffee shop window (and not the renowned Florian's) I laughed at 11Euros for a cappuccino but shrugging my shoulder, what else? It is Venice after all. G is for gold - covering the walls and ceilings in thick, huge swathes throughout the Doge's palace. Walking through one cannot but be impressed by its grandeur and then indeed, sigh, as one enters through to the prison and across the well named Bridge of Sighs. The prison which held Casanova but from which he escaped - no doubt aided by one or more lovers needing his attention!

The original gondolas were also once covered in gold. What we see today in black was brought about by a parsimonious Doge trying to save money but if you look carefully, some are now decorated with gold, a nod to the past pleasure seekers and patricians seeking to showcase their wealth. Take a gondola ride! Do not listen to those who neigh-say! Having the gondola to myself, I passed the half hour peacefully passing under the Bridge of Sighs, along quiet canals showcasing palazzos in glorious decay. But I will not lie - it smells! The sulphur though not awful was noticeable but it could not detract from the joy of slowing gliding past centuries of life in this glamorous, gorgeous city. Dream realised!