the view of la Basiclia di San Marco from our hotel room was half obscured by scaffolding, as almost all tourist landmarks usually are. i haven’t been to a big European city yet (Paris, Barcelona, London) without some sort of concealing metal framework facelift beautifying or restoring or protecting the building for future tourists.

not even the Bridge of Sighs was immune.

and yet, Venice is stunning. the haphazard labyrinth of narrow winding streets is mesmerizing and enchanting. it’s impossible to put into words how beautiful this watery city really is. as i’m sure you can imagine, i have hundreds of photos to sort through.

if you want to wait for them to load, here are just a few snapshots of our adventures…

[i felt like a James Bond blonde in this zippy water taxi from the airport]

[getting lost...]

[one of the few indoor places without NO PHOTO signs]

[Brandon was offered "good deal, good price" every time we walked by]

[you think Venice is romantic in the day? you could fall in love over and over at night]

[la Basiclia de San Marco]

[looking out over Piazza San Marco]

[getting lost again...]

[Piazza San Marco]

[on our way to the airport water bus -- sad to leave, but happy to go home]

[arrevederci!]