Buon Giorno – Barton European Tour Stage 4

After a restful night in Rome, Aaron and I hopped on a train to see the town of Venice (or Venezia in Italian). We didn’t know what to expect, but was looking forward to the train ride itself.

While waiting for the train to depart, I went to one of the local stands in the train station to get a cappuccino. Robert George and I often discuss the ways that the local southeastern US folks attempt to make proper foam, but usually fail. Over here in Italia, even the el-cheapo coffee stands get it right.

The train ride was super-fast. I’m not sure what kind of speeds we reached, but this thing was bookin’ it. The countryside was beautiful and before we knew it, we were pulling into Venice.

Upon arrival, I was jones’in for another cup of jo, so I hit a stand where another proper cup was served. Next thing I know, a gentleman by the name of Moses Gilead, from Israel, plops down in a chair next to me and strikes up a conversation. In very, very good English (which he would humbly disagree) we talked over coffee. He went on to explain, at great length, of how he LOVES American basketball. He talked about this game, that game and specific players. His love of basketball is so great that he has the Chicago Bulls icon tattooed on his right arm. We had fun chatting with him, but since we were only in Venice for one day, we said goodbye and ventured out.

Aaron and I went to see the many sites across the city. Without further adieu, I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.



I I couldn’t talk Aaron into a gondola ride. He said he loved me and all, but didn’t want to go for a ride he considered romantic.	Tunnels were all over the place and allowed us to pass from street to street when there was no connecting alley

A local resident had 2 bird cages with about 12 birds total in this dead-end alley/courtyard. They were singing up a storm.
Scoula Di S. Rocco. They wouldn’t allow cameras in, but there was some AMAZING artwork done here. Many artifacts from 10-15th century.	S. Rocco

Feeding the pigeons at Camp S Toma.
	Paper machete masks are a big art form here. Some of the artists go all out.

Ponte Academia
S. Maria d. Salute	Beautiful water taxis
Piazza San Marco
Basilica San Marco built 832 AD Considered “completed” in 1617 AD	Basilica San Marco
Basilica San Marco	Basilica San Marco
	Pont de Rialto

We looked at a handful of hotels in Venice. Most of them wanted big, big bucks to stay in a closet with a bed crammed into it. We opted for a hotel, near the airport, back on the mainland.

The next morning, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise. We were off to the airport and back to Rome.

Man, lots of antennas.	Sunrise
In the airport, you can pick up one of these pig legs. Since you’re past security, I guess that would be carry-on luggage.	Venice in the distance