Saturday 03 March 2007

Today was our “cultural” day, visiting St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace. St. Mark’s Square is full of idiots feeding those rats with wings (otherwise known as pigeons), and is also the lowest spot in Venice which leaves it prone to flooding. Several spots were holding water especially near the entrance to the church.

While not as expansive as St. Peter’s in Rome it is still impressive, just in a different way. The entire 11th century church is fitted with gold inlayed mosaics, and (also like Rome) contains nicked treasures acquired from The Crusades. The four bronze horses (taken from Constantinople) and the gold altar screen were the highlights. The Treasury Room contained some rather morbid relics of the bones of St. George and one of the Doges.

I was the only… how shall I say… “interested” one that went to the top of St. Mark’s bell tower, but wasn’t allowed to add it my “Things Climbed” list as you could only use the lift. However, I was there as the bells tolled noon which was a bonus, as were the views of the city.

Next was a walk through of the Doge’s Palace. The Doge of Venice was basically the “president” of Venice during it reign of power. Not a king… not a bishop/pope… but a Doge. I like the Stairway of Giants (the main entrance) and also the large “legislative” rooms, The Senate Hall and Main Council Hall that were adorned with gold painted wood work, large mechanical calendars, and scenes painted on every wall and ceiling.

The Bridge of Sighs connects the Doge’s Palace with the prison. Unfortunately, as with most things in Venice, there was some refurbishment going on next to it which made for a not very desirable photo. Later that evening we did the touristy thing and took a gondola ride. Honestly though… I know we were in Venice and it’s the thing to do… but it really wasn’t all that impressive. Plus our gondolier didn’t even sing.

Afterwards we finished with what turned out to be our best meal of the trip. We stumbled across this place on a side street near our hotel that did its best to discourage being “found” by tourists. No signs or menus displayed and the shades and curtains were all drawn closed. Philip peeked through a crack in the door, and saw that it was indeed open. Obviously, it was a local hangout as we watched the owner meet and greet those coming in.

It was here that I went against my usual bland palate tendencies and ordered the Spaghetti alla Venezia (the squid ink pasta), which turns the pasta, as well as, everything else it touches black!!! I also had calamari steak and grilled octopus.

Surprised??? I was.

Amy ended her meal with what she claims was the best tiramisu EVER.