Venice, Veneto, Italy
Finally arrived on board the River Countess at about 5.00pm.
Getting to the boat from the airport by vaporetto was very easy given the crew's very thorough instructions on which line to catch and where to get off
.
However, trying to use a public telephone at Venice airport to get those instructions was a nightmare. Everything was in Italian and I couldn't work out how to use the phone. A number of people I approached for help just shook their head at me. I just wanted to sit down and cry. Finally, after about 20 minutes, someone took the time and effort to help me make a phone call to the boat.
Everyone on the boat, the River Countess, were all aware of the difficulties I had experienced in getting there. Apparently the Cruise Director had been updating crew and passengers on my progress. I was a celebrity!
There are only 55 passengers onboard - slightly less than half the boat's full complement of passengers. Passengers come from the USA, Canada and Australia.
I had missed the planned excursions this morning to the Doge's Palace, Bridge of Sighs and Piazza San Marco (St Mark's Square) but know I'll be able to see these during my extra days in Venice at the end of the cruise. However, I was in time for the private night visit to San Marco Basilica (St Mark's Cathedral). This was really a very special way to see the cathedral as we were the only people inside. We entered into a dimly lit interior and then the cathedral came alive as lights were gradually turned on. The domes, walls and floor of the Basilica are covered in mosaics, which literally gleamed in the unnatural light.
Legend has it that the body of St Mark, after whom the cathedral is named, was stolen by two merchants from Alexandria in Egypt and brought back to Venice. St Mark is the patron saint of Venice and his body lies in the church's alter. Or say they say! The church, including St Mark's body, was destroyed by fire in AD 976 but his body miraculously reappeared when the new church was consecrated in 1094. Must have been the same miracle that made St Peter's chains in Rome look like new chains.
Destination Arrival - only one day late!
Monday, May 05, 2014
Venice, Veneto, Italy
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Comments
2025-05-22
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Ryan
2014-05-11
'ello Mother,
Glad to hear that the airline company was being thoughtful enough to ensure you had a decent story to tell about your holiday.
I trust the rest of the holiday is slightly less eventful.
Speaking of events, happy mother's day! No other events to speak of at this juncture.
Love Ryan, Dijana, Charlotte, and ?
pip rath
2014-05-12
Well I am glad it was you and not me, and where is Arnold when you need him!. I have decided I am not good with stuff ups anymore. I am very impressed with your managing the whole thing. Nothing like getting on the boat and being a celebrity, you just did it to meet people and now you won't get any peaceful time to yourself.
I was wounded with your comment about miracles and esp St Peter's chains - I'll not be taking you to see those sort of things again. Although, even I will admit St Mark's body popping up again like that a little dubious.
I like this travel blog thing, it makes interesting reading.