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Saturday, October 15, 2011

A Venetian Birthday


Since Emily and I had been long-distance for many months, I told her back in July that we would celebrate her birthday properly once we were both in Europe together.  Months ago I sent her a list of locations to choose from for a birthday trip, and Venice won out.

I was excited to see the famed city too, and it did not disappoint.  Venice is definitely the most beautiful city I've ever seen, and probably the most unique as well.  The opulent carvings of the winged lion of Saint Mark, toothy sea monsters, and busts of important persons lined hundreds of stone walls from centuries past.  There was a full spectrum of marble carefully displayed in many significant buildings, with tall white columns for support.  The Grand Canal snaked through the city, with countless smaller canals which bent around every city block, like capillaries feeding an artery.   Arched bridges and a population of slender gondolas and motor boats connected the metropolis.  Shoulder-width pathways wound like a maze until opening up into inviting squares, with restaurants, markets, and school-children playing soccer on ancient cobblestone fields.

Most impressive of all in a city of endless artistic triumphs was Piazza San Marco or Saint Mark's Square.  Passing through arched columns into the expansive meeting-place was breathtaking.  Yes, the people and pigeons flock in droves, but in a space larger than a football field it did not feel over-crowded.  We first stepped out, taking in the view of Saint Mark's Basilica, the Campanile, a large brick tower, and the cafes along the edges with artists, poets, and tourists from New Jersey chatting over cappuccinos.  Here are some glimpses:

Piazza San Marco

St Mark's Basilica was ornate from top to bottom
St Mark's monument and the Campanile
We didn't expect much when we walked to the square at night, but it was amazing.  The lights and music made leaving difficult.
If you go to Venice, check out Piazza San Marco at night

Campanile - the view from the bell tower is the best in the city, 300 feet up

Looking down on the Basilica
Doge's Palace on the bottom left, with gondolas leading to San Giorgio Maggiore, the southern island of the city
The square below, with the Basilica of St Mary of Health separated by the Grand Canal
The front of St Mark's Basilica at the bottom, with the Italian Alps in the distance

The Point

A classic Venetian portrait
The Basilica of St Mary of Health
Looking down the Grand Canal from the Accademia Bridge
Another view at sunset

Bridge of Sighs

Here at the Bridge of Sighs is the last view that prisoners would see before being locked up

Rialto Bridge

The remarkable Rialto Bridge majestically spans the Grand Canal
The view from Rialto

Food

We had more than our share of good pizza
The fish market made me want to explore the fishery in this portion of the Med
The gelato was great!

Parting Shots - we have many photos of romantic canals in various lights


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Beach Day on the Norfolk Coast

One fine day, with the blessing of an early October heat wave, we made our way to the eastern coast of England. The drive to the shore reminded Dave of Gettysburg, with the rolling hills and stretches of beautiful farmland. The coast reminded me of the New England shore and the beaches of Martha's Vineyard. Our journey there was much more enjoyable, and less eventful, than our long trip home. Some details of the day include watching a seal play in the waters just yards from us, eating the best fish and chips England has to offer, and surviving a car explosion. Here are some photos from our trip.

We arrived at a rocky beach village called Cley Next the Sea.

From there we drove a few miles east, to the popular town of Cromer.

The beach was great, but the drive home was the opposite of that. British tow services were not up to snuff - it took nearly four hours to get our junker towed home. It was an annoying end to an eventful day. At least we got to watch the sunset from our perch on the highway - very romantic!