Get Lost

This is the first thing we saw as we crossed the bridge into Venice.  Asians.  Five of the six are using their camera and the sixth is posing.  Later in the day we were on a famous bridge and some Asians actually asked me to move so they could take a picture without me in it!  Apparently they had already cleared everyone else away and here I came to screw it up :)

We googled "What to see in Venice" and first on the list was "Get lost in Venice".  

Of course, this didn't mean literally although that is all too easy to do.  A map is essential and looking at it often is also essential.  The directions from where the airport shuttle drops everyone to our hotel had 52 turns!  

Just walking around and seeing everyday life is nice.  The tourist season didn't seem to have begun so it wasn't super crowded and although we heard plenty of English, we heard plenty of "prego's" too.

This is a typical neighborhood with boats parked along the "street".

When we entered this open space, there were children playing.  By the time we took this photo, they had gone inside.  You can see their scooters and balls on the ground and it occurred to us that this is their yard/play area.  There are no cars in Venice and there is also no grass.

The ambulance.

The police station.

The fire brigade.

This is a boatyard we just happened to walk past.  Turns out it is the oldest boatyard in Venice - Squero di San Trovaso and was established in the 17th century.

There are about 350 gondolas on the water in Venice on any given day.  Since the 16th century and in accordance with the law, all gondolas must be painted black.  Only an iron symbol of the city may adorn them.

There is no motor to propel the boat - only this guy and one oar.

There are plenty of museums and churches and shops, but probably the best part of going to Venice is  "getting lost".