After an early wake up and a quick breakfast we boarded a bus bound for Venice. After a three hour bus trip we arrived at the docks in search for our ferry transfer to our hostel on the island of Giudecca. Some excited whilst others a tad uneasy about the boat trip across.
Arriving at lunch time we headed straight to a guided tour of the Doges Palace, a spectacular building lined with 24 carat gold on the ceilings. This historical building was home to the Doges and also acted as a centre of politics in early Venetian society. The rooms decorated with canvases for wall to wall were fascinating for the art students to view.
From there we passed over the ‘Bridge of Sighs’, named so because it was the last view of the outside world for prisoners who made their way to their prison cells to be guillotined.
Venice was definitely interesting for most people as it is so picturesque and presented amazement as the ‘sinking’ city astounded many. The San Marco Basilica, also lined with 24 carat gold and decorated with mosaics had an awkwardly uneven floor as the building sank and sagged.
The highlight of the day for most consisted of the glass blowing display at the ‘Vecchia Murano’ Glass Factory where we saw a vase created from molten glass right in front of our eyes in under five minutes. The gorgeous array of colours and amazing shapes and figures created and displayed presented a good opportunity to grab a few pressies, although prices were a tad scary, such as the two million dollar life-size ornate horse.
From there we all had an opportunity to relax and unwind as we were treated to a Gondola ride through the Venetian canals; some students being sung to whilst others received a dense history of the city.
Returning, all very tired, for dinner we had a lovely meal and were treated to some cake for Adam’s 18th Birthday before taking a walk through the area for our final night in Italy. Some students chose to attend a concert of classical music by Vivaldi. Back at the hostel all were weary and went to bed, ready for the early start in the morning to catch a train to Geneva.
Just a little shout out to Lynne Withers to let her know that her ‘baby boy’ had a great Birthday and knows that she would have struggled today but he loves her very much! XO
And a quick shout to Lesley and Steven, having a great trip and have bought lots of stuff. Xoxo
By the fabulous Birthday boy Adam and… Blake.
The main square of Venice
The main square of Venice
The Bridge of Sighs
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