The Jade is welcomed back to Venice, a vaporetto takes us direct to San Marco. Piazza is jammed with tourists, we pass long long lines to the Basilica , a petite medieval archeologist is our guide. We are on a secret tour which takes us to non-public parts of the church. I am delighted as she gives the tour also in Italian, a mini- translation lesson for me. 
Info:
80,000 mosaics in the church
Uneven floors as wood pilings in sub floor still have water flowing through them
Mosaic bible stories have flaws, not in correct order and decorated with Venetian fish
Altar piece has 200 kilos of gold and precious stones
 
Title- my friend Piergiorgio tells me his wife Carla works near the piazza at Mandarina Duck, I think it is a Chinese restaurant . PK corrects me, it is a high end luggage store, we find Carla have a quick reunion and PK buys a beautiful leather case.

We then head to Paradiso Perduto the oldest restaurant in Venice. It is quite an experience the owner sets us up, we have the most delicious lunch, antipasto and homemade pasta made minutes before ....

Nella botta piccola ce vino buono
In a small cask there is great wine- a compliment to us petite gals.


*Answer to two D's in Athens. They have given us democracy and drama