Vivaldi and Verdi

Before we leave Italy, I wanted to post a few more photos from Venice. This is the view from the vaporetto looking down the Grand Canal. Past this Basillica to Mary, we headed for the Plaza of San Marco where we visited the Doge’s Palace, the one-time seat of power. No photos were allowed inside (as is the case of most historic sites in Venice) but take my word for it, these guys knew how to live!

Also in that Plaza is the famous Church of San Marco, known for many things, but on this trip I’ll mention that it was the place where Antonio Vivaldi was a priest and later a composer. Seeing the grandeur of the church and all its choir lofts/balconies, it’s easy to understand why the Venetian School of music was such a powerful force in music history

Later in the afternoon (after a leisurely lunch and some shopping) we went to the Gran Teatro La Fenice, the Opera House. Verdi! Stravinsky! Maria Callas! This was my favorite part of the day.

We’re going back to the Alps in the morning as we head for Slovenia. Hopefully, our hotel in Bohinj will have a good internet connection. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!