An early start to the morning was well worth the amazing day in-store!
Today we hired our own buses to cart both us and our luggage, a break from a packed local bus or as Mrs Hayes calls it a “tin of sardines”! We took the bus to the fast train. These trains came equipped with free Wi-Fi, a chance to talk to both family and friends alike. Although we had some rather rowdy primary students accompany us in the carriage, most of us were still able to catch up on some much needed Z’s!
Finally we arrived on the mainland of Venice (Venezia ). Here we are met yet again by a private bus to take us to Hotel Alexander. We dropped our bags off and the bus took us straight to the vaporetto to Venice Island.
Today we hired our own buses to cart both us and our luggage, a break from a packed local bus or as Mrs Hayes calls it a “tin of sardines”! We took the bus to the fast train. These trains came equipped with free Wi-Fi, a chance to talk to both family and friends alike. Although we had some rather rowdy primary students accompany us in the carriage, most of us were still able to catch up on some much needed Z’s!
Finally we arrived on the mainland of Venice (Venezia ). Here we are met yet again by a private bus to take us to Hotel Alexander. We dropped our bags off and the bus took us straight to the vaporetto to Venice Island.
The vaporetto ride was similar to the packed buses although it actually had the fishy smell! A few got to sit at the back of the vaporetto, from here the sight was incredible. The water, boats and the historical buildings were in one word BEAUTIFUL!
We went to see The Doges Palace. The Doge was leader of ancient Florence before it became a part of Italy. The Doge, once elected was Doge for life! The biggest painting in Europe is found In the Doges palace, it is painted on a single piece of canvas and decorates an entire wall. The most interesting feature of the palace was the court room. It had a hidden passage that lead to the prison on the other side of the canal. To get to it we crossed through The Bridge Of Sighs, so named as the bridge has windows showing a beautiful rio (canal). As the prisoners walk through they would take their last looks and sigh as they watch their freedom slip away.
We went to see The Doges Palace. The Doge was leader of ancient Florence before it became a part of Italy. The Doge, once elected was Doge for life! The biggest painting in Europe is found In the Doges palace, it is painted on a single piece of canvas and decorates an entire wall. The most interesting feature of the palace was the court room. It had a hidden passage that lead to the prison on the other side of the canal. To get to it we crossed through The Bridge Of Sighs, so named as the bridge has windows showing a beautiful rio (canal). As the prisoners walk through they would take their last looks and sigh as they watch their freedom slip away.
Our tour continued to St Marco’s Basilica. It was very interesting as the weight from each of 70 marble decorative columns had actually warped the ground of the basilica. Waves of coloured tiles covered the floor. Each tile was hand crafted and miniscule. They all had a symbolical meaning as many at the time could not read or write and so tiles became a method of communication.
There were many interesting articles on display in the streets of Venice including decorative masks which are worn during a festival called Carnivale. How could you go to Venice and not buy a beautiful mask? Or a couple?
Finally dinner. I believe everyone was happy to see steak and chips on the menu tonight, something recognisable from our dinners at home although pasta was still included of course!
Finally dinner. I believe everyone was happy to see steak and chips on the menu tonight, something recognisable from our dinners at home although pasta was still included of course!
What a beautiful day in Venice!
Bridget.
