Venice/Florence 2013

Galleria dell'Accademia - Michelangelo's David - up close and personal.  Unveiled in 1504, this marble statue symbolizes the defense of civil liberties embraced by the Florentine Republic and the powerful Medici family. 

Patti and Phoebe enjoying a moment during our Italian cooking class!

Florence's principal palace was begun in 1299 and built as the seat of the Signoria, the fathers of the city's republican government.  It's still in use today as a government facility!

Piazza dell Duomo - it's massive!

Venice

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Mark’s Square Museums grants access to the Doge’s Palace, Museo Correr, Museo Archeologico Nazionale and Monumental Rooms of Biblioteca Marciana

 Ira and me on one of the many bridges crossing the Grand Canal.

Considered the true heart of Venice, this landmark bridge, characterized by its 24-foot arch, is built on approximately 12,000 wooden pilings that still support the bridge more than 400 years after it was built.

Venice's main water thoroughfare, lined with great Renaissance palaces, is a colorful and busy spectacle of gondolas and vaporetti.

Neal and me at a cafe in St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) - we decided not to stay given the excessive prices charged for food and beverages...

Here's our buddy and trip leader Neal drawing a picture of our gondolier as we commute through the city canals.  Gondolas have been the chief means of transportation in Venice for centuries!

Venice's magnificent basilica was consecrated in 832 AD as an ecclesiastical building to house the remains of St. Mark.

Ira enjoying a moment on a Venice bridge.

Verona

Phoebe and Karina
enjoying a beverage at a cafe in Verona.  Behind is the Roman Arena, erected in the 1st Century AD.  Even though the structure is very old and damaged by earthquakes, this amphitheatre is still used for concerts and operas.