June 22, 2013

Venice with the Kids and Cousins

Our Greek Isle cruise left from Venice so we came in three days early to show the kids and the Van De Graaffs Venice before hopping on our boat!  After traveling around lots of Europe, we can definitely say that Venice is one of our favorites!  The gondolas, canals, bridges, and flowers are so picturesque!  We’ve been looking forward to taking the kids since we came right after we moved here almost two years ago!
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The Bridge of “Sighs” connected to the Doges Palace. 
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The first evening we were there, we experienced the flooding of Venice.  The summer months bring in more and more water up through the vents in the ground.  Who knows how much longer until Venice will be completely flooded? 
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Colette found the best place for us to stay.  It was a block and a half off of the main St. Mark’s Square.  It was nice to check into our place during the day sometimes since it was sooooo hot in Venice.  It was two separate apartments right by each other.  We all liked to go back and turn on the AC and take breaks from the stifling weather.  The next morning we got ready and walked over to San Marcos Square and were in the cathedral within 10 minutes of leaving our apartment!  Awesome.  This is possibly my favorite Cathedral in Europe.  Everything shimmers!  IT makes me smile.  I loved how the sun was streaming in from some windows. 
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The aerial views from the balcony are great for the entire square. 
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We also got a tour of Doge’s Palace.  The palace was the residence of the Doge of Venice, the supreme authority of the Republic of Venice, opening as a museum in 1923.  Criminals of Venice were housed here in the basement.  They often “sighed” as they walked over the bridge to be put into prison.  Hence the name : “Bridge of Sighs”. 
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We spent the day walking all over Venice in the heat looking for the perfect mask for Hanna who had been saving up and anticipating shopping for a mask for almost two years!  We were all a little bummed because Uncle Ryan was supposed to fly in today, but his flight got delayed a full day! 
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William fell in love with Pick Up bars during their trip.  Not shocking to see him eating one here! 
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Getting lost in the back streets of Venice is the best way to find its CHARM!
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Standing on the famous Rialto bridge overlooking the Grand Canal:  The main thorough fare in Venice. 
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Cole looking cool in Venice with his sunglasses and carrying the coveted water mister….. it felt so nice to get sprayed by it!! 
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