- Days 5 & 6 -
We again were awe struck as we made our way down the Grand Canal to our hotel. Buildings spring right out of the water and boats are everywhere. Thankfully we had Alfio leading the way! Our hotel was quaint and had a beautiful Murano glass chandelier hanging in the lobby. After check-in and an brief orientation we had another delicious group meal. The next morning we had an amazing local guide. She had great character and made the learning fun. She used a variety of historical maps and books to illustrate facts and then she walked and talked through backstreets and alley ways with us - it was fascinating and exciting. This is a fabulous city to get lost in!
We visited with a craftsman who carves forcola (the steering fork) for gondolas. Through our local guide he explained the process of creating these steering forks and how each piece is designed specially for each gondolier. We learned that forks for standard gondolas versus those for racing gondolas are different and he showed how. These forks are beautiful, true works of art.
Our tour ended with entry to the Duomo. Unbelievably opulent. We were just fascinated by the beauty and the intricate mosaics.
We again were awe struck as we made our way down the Grand Canal to our hotel. Buildings spring right out of the water and boats are everywhere. Thankfully we had Alfio leading the way! Our hotel was quaint and had a beautiful Murano glass chandelier hanging in the lobby. After check-in and an brief orientation we had another delicious group meal. The next morning we had an amazing local guide. She had great character and made the learning fun. She used a variety of historical maps and books to illustrate facts and then she walked and talked through backstreets and alley ways with us - it was fascinating and exciting. This is a fabulous city to get lost in!
We visited with a craftsman who carves forcola (the steering fork) for gondolas. Through our local guide he explained the process of creating these steering forks and how each piece is designed specially for each gondolier. We learned that forks for standard gondolas versus those for racing gondolas are different and he showed how. These forks are beautiful, true works of art.
Our tour ended with entry to the Duomo. Unbelievably opulent. We were just fascinated by the beauty and the intricate mosaics.