I left the ship and boarded a motor launch (30 minutes) across the lagoon to dock in Venice at one of the many piers along the grand canal. This walking tour of Venice spotted neighborhoods and often un-touristy areas. (it did not take in the Doges Palace etc., which we had seen on a previous trip to Venice). Howard left at a different time to take a different tour.

It was really interesting to see the "Armenian" area and the "Greek" area. Each community built their own church, so there are different styles all over. We also learned about the shapes of windows on the buildings and how they reflect different eras of the city.

There are so many areas of Venice that reflect periods BC, gothic, renaissance and byzantine. Quite amazing. Everyone knows that Venice is a city of canals... there are over 400 bridges spanning the canals. Up 8-9 steps, walk 8 steps, down 8-9 steps. Great knee exercises; LOL.

Many of the buildings were constructed with flexible foundations to deal with the changing water levels. At the end of the tour I made my way to St. Mark's Square and met up with Howard for a glass of wine before returning to the ship. Most of the areas in Venice are not accessible, so he hung out in the square until I finished my walk.