Venice: City of canals and Tourists

"the original Eureka Springs"

We arrived in Venice after a short train ride from Florence.  It was an distinct change in climate when we arrived.  Incredibly this town thrives on world tourism much as it has for the last 500 years. As you might have guessed Venice lacks city streets as we know them. All services are delivered by boat: EMS, fire, taxi's, supplies, and even the postal service all use boats. Most of the area around the St. Marks square is geared directly towards the tourist trades. With many different shops and stores and narrow labyrinth style alleys. It's easy to get turned around but impossible to get lost--this is an island. (right?). 

By the time we arrived in Venice we'd about had our fill of culture. Although we managed to attend one art museums and tour the Doges' palace and St. Marks church. The fall equinox brought extra high tides to Venice and we completed much of the church tour on elevated platforms about 18" above the rising tidal water that flooded the floor of this 800 year old church. Apparently, not uncommon St. Marks square also filled with water. 

From Venice we took our side to trips by water bus (vaporetti) to the islands of Burano (famous for lace making) and Murano (famous for glass works).