Venice, Italy

mike: After a relaxing stay we headed east by train to Venice.

The island of Venice, once a thriving Mediterranean trade center, probably needs little additional introduction. As a cornerstone of Italy's tourist scene, it had the crowds, even in April, to prove it.

On our first day we hopped on the public ferry and cruised up the main waterway,Grand Canal, lined with old mansions each with unique character. It was a chaotic mix of passenger ferries, cargo ferries, taxi boats, and gondolas all headed in seemingly opposite directions. I was amazed no one crashed.

We were dropped off at Piazza (plaza)San Marco, the Times Square of Venice,packed with as many pigeons as people.

The ground was wet and the people waited in line on elevated walkways. Maybe the sinking city rumors are true!!

The Doge's (Duke's) pad.

Trin managed to step in the only pile of dog crap on the whole island. I had my back turned when it happened and all I heard was, AHHH! I turned to see everyone in the square staring at Trin and it took the rest of the afternoon to completely eradicate it from her shoe.

Our hotel was in a town called Mestre, just across the bridge on the mainland, an easy bus ride into Venice.It was very mellow here and offered a great balance and break from the Venice crowds.

Near town center in Mestre with an outdoor artist market.

Trin used the hotel's tub to catch up on laundry. Trin loves laundry.

One of our day trips was to Lido Island due east of Venice. The main draw is it's beach which supposedly is jam packed later in the summer.

Trin looking out to the Adriatic Sea. This island protects Venice from rough seas.

There were huge shell piles on Lido.

A Venice canal by night, we were very lost and wondering aimlessly when we took it.

Overall we were glad we came. The series of canals and boats running every which way and the old buildings are pretty surreal. The downside for me was the crowds. Anywhere, no matter how great, takes a hit in my book if we share the experience with hundreds of other people. I felt three days was sufficient for our visit.