This is a surprise as I had not intended to stop here as I have been here several times before, the first being 1967 and the most about 8 years ago. They had the builders in both times and they are still here today. I can remember being dragged around St Mark’s square by Mum and Dad, but nothing of what else we did. I also recall, the last time I was here, that I was unable to gain entrance to either the Campanile or the Doge’s Palace. This time I was able to walk into both without having to queue! The view from the top of the Campanile is wonderful, but the weather didn’t help. Whilst I was not expecting the Doge’s palace to be so gob smacking beautiful! The Giants stairway, leads to the Scala d’Oro, or, the Golden Stairway, and on up into the Palace itself. The rooms are note worthy both for their architectural beauty but also for the decoration. Huge canvasses by artist I have heard of but really had not appreciated; Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese to mention just a few. From the luxury surroundings of the Palace itself I was able to cross the Bridge of Sigh’s and get a glimpse of the outside world through the small windows to the lagoon outside! I can understand why it is the Bridge of Sigh’s!
Whilst the gondolas are still here and the Water busses and Taxi’s still jostle for space on the Grand Canal, it is St Marks square that I remember the best. It was heaving with tourists just as I remember, and, the coffee was still only warm, just as I remember, the price, “How Much”, just as I remember!!!
