We planned on attending the 9am Mass but we didn't count on the travel time to the main island and ended up being 20mins late and was turned away by the security guard at the door. We were told to come back for the10.30 Mass instead.
We entered to take our seats a little after 10am, not long afterwards the Basilica was already packed with people. No wonder the security guard turned us away when we arrived late.
The choir is situated at an upper loft which is actually hidden from the view of the attendees. It was a little strange to just hear voice drift down from above!
I know photography is not allowed but as other parishioners took photos just after Mass I couldn't resist stealing one shot with my phone. This is looking straight up at part of the ceiling.
That afternoon we were in search of Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man. Located in the Academia Museum.
There were some really nice Venetian works inside the museum. Here are a few I took a photos.
There were however no Vitruvian man. We approached one of the staff and was informed that the work is inside the museum but is not on display normally. Only for special exhibition is it available for public viewing.
We were highly disappointed as we were so looking forward to seeing this famous work of Da Vinci.
A little disheartened we left at around 3pm. We decided to visit Museo Correr to look at the history of Venice. This museum is included in the entry fee of the Doge Palace ticket.
No photography allowed inside again, it was interesting seeing how Venice developed from a marshland into a thriving city. The republic system of Venice is really complicated and I cannot understand how a city as thriving as the Renaissance Venice can function effectively with so much regulations.
From the museum I can understand how it must have thrived as the main trading port between the orients and Europe. A glorious past that left glorious buildings after the city's decline.
The regatta storica was on in Venice, as we crossed the bridge at the Academia, there were police there shepherding onlookers to move off the bridge. Since it is a wooden bridge I think they were worried accidents may occur on the bridge if it overloads.
We passed by another Venice Biennale exhibition.
That evening we actually booked a dinner and Venicia show. We had seen their posters everywhere and it looked really interesting. A show that tells the story of Venice 49 euros includes a dinner at a nearby restaurant before or after the show.
The restaurant is a nice place, but I was very disappointed with the service by the staff there. As soon as they realized we were coupon customers, we were treated second rate. We were completely ignored for the first 15mins while they served all the other 'paying' customers.
The waiters also sneaks up and places dishes in front of you without letting you know, we didn't even finish the entree and he plonks down the first course in front of you. Very poor service for a good restaurant.
However we did meet a lovely couple from Belgium who were in Venice celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. What a beautiful way to celebrate such a special occasion in the City of Lovers?!
It was a special privilege to have shared such a special moment with them, I felt the warmth and love they have for each other and I'm sure all their children and grandchildren must have grown up under the same love. What encouragement for the younger generation that no longer believe in a lasting relationship!
The show itself was fantastic. A cast of only five actors, with assistance from multimedia, they successfully made what could have been a boring history lesson into an entertaining performance.
We all learnt a lot about Venice, must especially about the 'mystery' behind why this city has been known for so long as the City of Lover.
That night walking home, a thunderstorm brewed in the distant. Turns out the mugginess was due to a brewing rain storm. As lighting flashed we crossed the canal. This is the point where I realized I actually can't live in Venice permanently, the rocking boats are just too much for me!
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