I finally went for a gondola ride in Venice! I have wanted to do it all my life. And, there is no better way to do it than with my fiance sitting by my side loving me and looking gorgeous. It was really, really fun. Our gondolier, Mauro, was awesome. He was very old-school Italian and a born and bred Venetian. He told us a little about the history of Venice and gondoliering and about the buildings that we were passing. At several points, he broke out into a spontaneous song. It was great!
The Doge’s Palace was our first stop of the day however. We learned about the history of Venice and how it was at one point a hugely powerful hub of marine activity. We looked at models from the old galleys that used to dominate the waters and at the old weapons that were necessary to fend off pirates. It was very interesting. We were highly amused by the stories and pictures of the old Doges who used to rule Venice. The most interesting part of the Doge’s Palace to me, was seeing how their crude system of “justice” “worked.” Apparently, you could get in serious trouble for a lot of minor things back then. You would be taken to the Doge’s Palace where a panel would decide your fate as you waited in another room. You were not allowed to be part of the process or to give your own statement in your defense. We crossed over the Bridge of Sighs and walked through the prisons where the prisoners would be locked up in horrible conditions. Unbelievable!
Kory also led me on an adventure through the winding Venetian streets today. I think his goal was to find the narrowest street in Venice. He may have accomplished his mission — at one point the “street” was so narrow that I could touch both walls with my elbows. (See picture below.) When we were sufficiently lost, we stopped for lunch and people watching at a cute little outdoor cafe right on the bank of the Grand Canal. We ate dinner at Bancogiro, a restaurant recommended by Max (Nick’s brother). It was a fantastic recommendation! The food was divine and our table was outside on a pleasant little square next to the Grand Canal. It was the best meal we had in Venice. Thanks Max!