more on Venice


We were a little disappointed in Venice. Yes, it's famous and has some great landmarks, like the San Marco Square, but it's dirty. There are cigarette butts between all the cobblestones, and lots of pigeon poop and feathers everywhere.

However, the side streets were charming. Locals shop with little pull carts of cloth on 2 wheels. Of course they have to. There are NO cars! This alone makes Venice unique. Since the whole city is geared to pedestrians, there are benches everywhere and locals are usually found there chatting and gossiping in between shopping. We picked up some very inexpensive wine and could have paid even less in one of the shops that sold it right out of the barrel. You bring your empty bottle and fill it for under 2 euros.



Venice has a beautiful garden, the entry to which has a sign which reads:
"Think with the Senses. Feel with the Mind."

And a last note about Venice. One of the evenings we were in port, a local string symphony of 17 members entertained in the Princess Theatre, and they were fabulous,playing some of the favourite Italian melodies like Granada, Return to Sorrento and they had a guest tenor who was excellent! We have been wonderfully entertained on this ship.

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