Venice part 2

We started our day by catching a Vaporetti over to the "Murano" glass blowing island.  I wasn't so sure it would be that interesting....but once there it was pretty impressive.  This guys fashioned this horse in 15 seconds flat out of hot glass. 

He could also whip out these vases in about two minutes. 

After seeing him work so fast at pumping these things out, I was a little surprised to see just how much some of the sculptures were going for.  Dang expensive!  Although the glass isn't really Jared's or my taste you definitely gain an appreciation for the artists and the skill it takes to work with this medium. 

I got a little fascinated with all the rod iron everywhere and took a few pictures or fifty....

We headed back to St. Mark's Square to check it out some more.  First stop was to a restroom where a very strategically placed gypsy (acting as a bathroom attendant) took several people's money from our group.  Lovely.  I was in the back of the line and was warned by the time I got up to her and she grabbed at my arm and was so pushy!  I was really put off by her. Rude. 

St. Mark's pigeons are quite famous for being greedy, hungry and overbearing.  I prefer to have pigeons a safe distance away....don't they have rabies or something?  People like to get real friendly with them and let them touch them or land on them. 

Whoa....one two many warm chocolate melting cakes....he can barely lift me back up. 

Next we headed inside St. Mark's Basilica.  I'd have to say thus far in Europe it is my favorite.  I loved all the mosaic tile work on the floor and walls and ceilings.  The walls and ceiling had a gold shimmer to them and you could see the individual pieces of the mosaics.  So impressive and glittery.  Bling-Bling---I love it.  This place would fit in on the Las Vegas Strip.  Oh except it is really old not just a ritzy imitation. 

So many colors and stones.  I love it! 

It was built in the 11th century.  It has Eastern style architecture underling Vernice's connection to the Byzantium.  Its decorated with booty from returning sea captains a kind of architectural Venetian trophy chest.  It glows with gold mosaics and colored marble.  Since A. D. 830 St. Mark's bones have been on this site. 

The balcony gave some neat views of the entire square

Now it was finally time to head for a Gondola ride.  The Johnsons had just recently done this so they opted to take off to shop for souveniers. 

Alex our Gondolier was handsome (I always thought that your Gondolier should be!)  It was almost an hour ride and it was AWESOME!  We took turns in the love seat which took some tricky maneuvering in the small Gondola with 6 people on it! 

On the Grand Canal crossing under the famous Rialto Bridge. 

I could not get over how high the water comes in with the tide.  Many building's first floors are flooded a lot. 

After our neat ride was through we headed back out to the cruise ship.  Not before I took a couple parting Venice shots.  I loved Venice!!