We indulged ourselves in a night train to Venice.  The ride probably would have been quite beautiful during the daytime through the alps, but we couldnt pass up the opportunity to bunk on the train.  All of the old movies youve seen about the trains are still true today.  If you are unfortunate enough to not afford a sleeper car, youre stuck with 5 other souls in a compartment sitting up.  One step above that is a "couchette" which sleeps 6 in a 5ft x 5ft room.  Our sleeper had a bunk above and a bunk below, with a little fold-out vanity with a sink, in about a 4ft x 4 ft room.  It was cozy.



Without going into all of the details, Venice was a treat.  We spent the majority of our time around the Piazza San Marco, which is where the Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale (Doge,s Palace).  St Marks Basilica was absolutely breathtaking - it was covered with Byzantine and Renaissance mosaics from floor to ceiling.  I am not a religious person, but the Basilica was awe-inspiring. 



We attended a Vivaldi chamber concert one night, which included the Four Seasons.  How fitting - Vivaldi was born in Venice.  My piano teacher, Mrs. Dixon, will be proud.  The chamber orchestra included 3 violins, a viola, a cello, a bass, and a harpsichord. 



We spent the rest of our time cruising the grand canale.  A 48-hour pass for the canal buses (the only mode of transportation for tourists) was 25 euro (about $33) per person, so we lived it up!  Back and forth, up and down the canal we rode.  Hundreds of pictures to boot.



Of course, we had to do a bit of shopping.  After shopping for the perfect masks for two days, we bought 2 hand-made Venetian paper machè masks.  One in the shape of Cassanova for Matt, and one beautiful eye mask for me.  We also picked up some inexpensive Venetian glass momentos.  Mom - these are being shipped to you.



What a beautiful city!