Venice - SUPER Awe----some!

I look ticked here, but I'm actually not.  Just gearing up for the day ahead in Venice.  Which was totally the coolest place ever.  (I'm very descriptive, I know)  First time here for me, LOVED it!

One of the really neat things here is that people really live here.  This is not a pretend place, like mock ups in Vegas.  The streets really are water.  This is a delivery 'truck'  - boat. 

What?  Gelato?  AGAIN???!!!  Yep.

Simon feeding the birds in Venice.

Me feeding my birds in Venice.

Here's what I'm feeding them.  Mmmmm.  Pastries.....

Like I said.  The water really is just their roads.  This is some kind of hearse boat.  See the coffin?  

It rained a good portion of the day, but we actually really enjoyed the weather.  (perks of living in constant sun)  It had been really rainy there lately, and the night of these pictures was to be the highest tide seen in our lifetime.  St. Marks Square was totally flooded and we had to walk on cat walks in many areas, as the sidewalks were so deep with water.  Many people wore tall rubber boots everywhere.  This place is amazing.

Gondola ride.  A must.  Who cares that is costs the amount of a small house?  I just couldn't come here and not actually ride a gondola.  And touristy?  Really?  Do I care?  Nope.

The end of the day was spent on a water taxi.  We were on it way too long.  I looked like this most of the time.

And Peter looked like this, most of the time.

Over all, my score for Venice?  For sure a 10.  One of the coolest places I've ever been.  My cousin in law, Federico, who you will meet in a post or two, grew up here.  He says it's just too touristy now - and I agree it's full of tourists.  But that's life today, I think.  Most of Italy survives on tourism.  So it's kind of a love/hate - can't live with em, can't live without em.  Venice is sinking day by day - mainly due to cruise ships and the amount of boat traffic; it's just shaking the mud to the core.  It's such a neat place, I'd hate for it to disappear.  So my suggestion?  Hurry.  Quick.  Get there before it sinks and you won't get to see it!!!