VENICE, ITALY – My friend Anne and I decided to take a leisurely stroll through Venice Wednesday, May 6 just to see what we could see, and we saw many wonderful sights.
We were able to find our favorite Antiquario (antique)shop near the Church of San Marco and our favorite little bead store just across from it. And they were both open.
We were remembering our directions from two years ago through twisted streets and alleys and over bridges and it is a miracle that we found the stores. And that they were both open!
It was not particularly crowded in Venice on that day so we were able to move about easily. We stopped in to see the Church of San Zaccharia, the father of John the Baptist. We have been in this church before on previous visits, but this time, a kind gentleman seated at a table in the church was telling anyone who passed by about a special tour of the Golden Chapel – only 1.50 euros. So of course, we were eager to see it. The chapel dated from the early 15th century and we were able to see exposed ancient mosaic floors and gilded chairs that the Doge used on his visits.
But the best part was descending a spiral staircase to the crypt below.8 of the former Doges are buried here, and this area dates from the 10th century. It is also frequently underwater. I would have paid 10 times the amount to have seen this!
Afterwards, we stopped at a small cafe for lunch and had sandwiches priced at 5.90 euros and prosecco for 5 euros—very reasonable.
We then headed towards the Rialto Bridge and accidentally wandered in to a Press Party for the Biennale held in a restored palace. The Tagore Foundation International and Polo Museale de Veneto are presenting Frontiers Reimagined from May 9 to November 22 with this Press Preview being held on May 6. This was an official collateral event being held as part of the 56th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia.
We viewed the exhibits and continued on to the Rialto Bridge where we hopped the vaporetti back to Lido. Upon returning to our apartment, our friend joined us for a homemade salad which we concocted from fresh lettuce, fresh asparagus, shelled peas, tomatoes, carrots, parsley, onion, leftover cooked artichokes, formaggi cheese and a dressing of salt, Olive oil and balsamic vinegar with a spritz of lemon juice accompanied by red wine. A great day in Italy.
