Venice, October 18th Sunday

After a restful full day at sea on our cruise to Venice from Naples, we were anxious to get off the boat. Bonnie was about to see her son, Ross, stationed at the American Military Base. She was first off the boat to spend two days with him. The three of us, Gail, Donna and I casually exited the boat, filled with anticipation. We walked to the Vaporetto Station and bought a 24 hour day pass on the water taxi. Jumped on board and snapped pictures. We were amazed at these homes, cathedrals and businesses on the water ways with boats tied to pier walkways as we made our way to Murano Island, home to the famous glass work of artists. Took in a glass demonstration, and wondered in a few shops.
We quickly took the next Vaporetto boat back to Venice, a kind of island, and made our way to St. Mark's Square. We were warned earlier in the day the tides had made about a 5 inch flood over the square. Fortunately when we arrived at 4pm it was slightly spotty with water. We found a table among the hustle and bustle of late Sunday afternoon business and snacked on olives and cheese stolen from the cruise ship.
Fortified, we purchased tickets to top of Bell Tower and view Venice from above. Amazingly cold and windy and packed with warm bodies, the bells started to ring.....5pm hour....So incredibly loud I had to plug my ears tightly with my finger tips. Gail is so excited she is taking video and pictures of the huge bells swinging just inches above our heads.
We, with ringing ears, descended back to the main square and ventured back into cobblestone walkways, the heart of shops and artists, cafes and bustling people among the Gondoliers. We found a cathedral with 6 pm Mass. I took in the moments seated among the Italians, trying to imagine the english words corresponding to the Italian, spoken by the priest.
Then we were off to walking and pictures and surprises along the way as we were anxious to find a Wine Bar and the Rialto Bridge before we walked back to our cruise boat by 9 pm.
Thanking God, we found a tiny wine bar nestled in the quieter area of Venice. We peeled off our coats and ordered from two women behind the bar as their elderly mother stood guard at the end of the bar. The old woman gave us an occasional glance,determining our intentions in her bar. We had two glasses and then finally found our Carnival Dream Ship at the port brightly lited. We were tired but found enough energy to get to the hot tub. Our feet were aching. Then, sweet sleep......'cause we had tomorrow to revisit Venice, once again.