Tour of Venice

Set out for San Marco Square early this morning, but was surprised by all of the scaffolding that made it hard to "see" the beauty of the sights there. Enjoyed visiting the St. Mark Basilica with an audio guide from Rick Steves and marveled as I listened to the bells ring in the clock tower and watched the Moors strike the bell with their clappers. These are the oldest robots I've ever seen! Wandered through the shops and ogled the Murano glass and hand painted masks along with a million other tourist trinkets. Had to make some tough trip decisions mid day on where to travel to next balanced by the budget and time I have left. After much research and a trip to the train station I booked a train ticket to Milan and a flight from Milan to Amsterdam tomorrow. This means that Verona, Vienna, Prague and Berlin will have to happen on a return trip sometime in the future. There is some sort of strike going on in Italy, so lets all keep our fingers crossed that I make it to Milan in time to catch my flight. Took an afternoon Vaporetto (water bus) ride down the Grand Canal from the train station all the way to San Marco Square and again stopped to listen to the clock tower toll, but also dueling pianos and orchestras playing in the square. Bought a few sweets to nibble on as I wandered around town some more and resisted the urge to shop. I have everything I need...I have everything I need...(repeat as needed). Dinner tonight at the hostel again (Can't beat a 3 course meal and great company for 5 euro) and am off to catch some Zzzs.

Tomorrow Plans: Train to Milan, Bus to the airport, Plane to Amsterdam, Train to downtown, tram toward the hostel and walking the last bit of the way all before 5 pm. Should be a busy day. Hope all goes as planned.