Tuesday 20 April 2010

Day 16


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Day 16, Thursday 15th April

Up with the larks, do they have larks in Italy, its bound to be a delicacy somewhere?
Drove to the local port for the commuter ferry into Venice.
We have such high expectations of this legendary city and it fulfils them all.
A panorama of every famous landmark, stretches out along our horizon, literally, floating before you as you arrive in the lagoon,
Fist stop, the Cartier shop off the Piazza San Marco, where else darlings. Not for shopping, unfortunately, just to replace my watch battery, which they couldn’t do as it takes two weeks.
Next stop the Basilica. What a trip, heart poundingly, breath takingly, eye wateringly, stunning. We were absolutely blown away. Never mind the glittering domes, the floor to ceiling gold mosaics, the hundreds of saphires, emeralds, garnets, rubies and thousands of pearls, even the floors are intricately worked in multicoloured marble mosaics, pattern on writhing pattern. Most of it plundered on a grand scale.
This is just the most gorgeous building on earth, though the space is ultimately incomprehensible and the most surreal trip, ever.
Phew, onto the Palazzo Ducale just round the corner. A strange combination, the outside is very light, refined and stylish, same with the inner courtyard, beautiful, the interior is room after room of gloomy gothic overkill. Heavily carved and gilded ceilings, monumental rooms almost the size of football pitches stuffed with Venetian power painting, impossible to appreciate as they’re so monumental or on ceilings or just too far away. You are left feeling somewhat overawed and overcast yourself.
Not my cuppa at all.
Lunch was at a sweet little trattoria just west of St Marks Square, delish and at just under 60 euros not bad for the most expensive city in Italy.
On to a small church, Santa Maria Formosa, to see a couple of paintings where we were horrified by the mummified remains of a child, or a very small person, in a glass case on a alter. Surrounded by slobbering devotees pressing postcards against is, kissing them and falling to the knees, up and down more than a whores drawers. Clutching at rosaries and fervently crossing themselves. Shocking to witness the power of mumbo jumbo in this day and age.
A relaxing boat trip around the lagoon and down the Grand Canal (we just needed to sit awhile).Home to a nice cup of coco and the best nights sleep for ages
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3 comments:

  1. hi rob and andy u photos look lovely wish i was with u it looks so beautiful love u both xxxx

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  2. Ah - now who can that suave chap in the snazzy blazer be? Ah yes - I remember him! Someone from Gosport!

    This all sounds pretty stunning (except for the mummified child - a bit alarming, if I am honest!) Baroque is not really my cup of tea (gold gilded plaster work has never really done it for me) but nevertheless, it all sounds amazing!

    Glad to know that Venice is still managing to keep above the water line (isn't it sinking into the lagoon?) and met your demanding expectations.

    Lots of love

    Hxxxx

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  3. ah at last you're in cultural heaven! the photos of both of you are lovely and so nice to see one of Rob again! Now when are you going to pluck up the courage and ask someone to take a photo of the flipping 3 of you!!! :)

    Have you had any visitors joining you in Venice? or did this blasted ash cloud interfere with that?

    Its so nice to feel connected to you still even though you're not here.

    Weathers been glorious lovely 7-10 days of sun. Bit of rain this morning (Sunday 25th) but garden needed it - I've been having to water the pots every night - whats that all about in April! I've been very naughty though and not looked after the bamboo at the marina flat and its starting to look that sorry the guests first comments when I rung them the next day to see how they were and their first night had been, was "don't worry we've watered the plants and will make sure they're all right whilst we're here". Oh dear not good. Any tips on being able to revive them or just some multi grow? Much love Fi
    xxx

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