Venice

 After a smooth transfer from our Florence country inn to Venice via taxi and train, we arrived in the 'floating city' mid afternoon.  Walking out of the train station we were immediately ushered into the most unique city. During our entire stay in Venice I was mesmerized by the ingenious infrastructure of this ancient trading city.  Canals, bridges and cobblestone walkways create a maze for moving boats and pedestrians.  Everything is brought into the thousands of businesses by boat and handcart. Since our lodging was a considerable distance from a serviced canal, we hired a porter to cart some of our 10 suitcases.  We wasted no time in hopping on a boat to the bustling St. Mark's Plaza, taking in the distinctive architecture of this historical city.  The church and adjoining huge plaza reminded Esther and I of the Santiago de Compestela at the culmination of the Camino.  We ate dinner on the serenaded plaza and took an evening ferry back to our hotel. If the Greek Islands have an abundance of cats, Venice has an abundance of dogs. The next morning I corralled the 'Kitsap cats' and we headed to the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, briefly grabbing some breakfast pastries at a bakery.  Near the bridge Esther found a tiny jewelry shop that specialized in African Venetian trading beads.  We have a collection of these historic relics from our Nigeria days. Another walking trip to St Mark's Plaza and a gondola ride through narrow canals topped off a very memorable day.  The eight of us had our final dinner before parting ways.  The rest of the group is heading home, while we head for still more adventures in Portugal.