We arrived in Venice last night and took a water bus to our bed and breakfast near San Marcos square. We are staying in a lovely little Bed and Breakfast recommended by Rick Steves. After breakfast we venture out to see the sights. We are delighted by the canals, gondolas, variety of shops, and food. Venice is charming! We are allowing ourselves to thoroughly immerse in the Venetian experience. Rick Steves says "Venice is a medieval cookie jar and nobodies looking".
I told my friend Bev that we are going on a tour of relics as part of our pilgrimage. This is something I never dreamed of doing. When in Santiago while walking the Camino with Angie we prayed at the tomb of St. James. In Rome, Scotti and I prayed at the tomb of St. Peter and now in Venice we have prayed at the tomb of St. Mark. Each time I have prayed for healing for Doug and others on my prayer list.
St. Marks' square is a very big deal here in Venice, and while looking forward to seeing the church we were very much unprepared for the extraordinary beauty of the Byzantine architecture. The mosaics inside are awesome. I find myself comparing St. Mark's with St. Peter's and Scotti says "Well it is hard to compare paint with gold mosaic. Both churches are remarkable representations of the capacity for creativity of the human spirit.
We ended our day with a Vivaldi concert held in a lovely old church. Vivaldi is heard all over Venice in the squares. This concert of 7 musicians was spectacular. They were expressively playing their instruments. Everyone in the audience was captivated.
Lesson Learned: Drink, rest and bask in the beauty of God made manifest in human works.
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