We made it! We're in Venice!

We made it to Venice yesterday on Tuesday, October 20 around 7:00 PM. We had a couple of flight delays -- nothing serious -- just an hour here and there. Our overseas flight from Salt Lake City to Paris was actually very nice -- the Delta plane was pretty comfortable, and the service was excellent. In Paris, we had a long lay-over, so there were a lot a zombies and few sleepers in the waiting room. I am not allowed to post the open-mouthed photo Peggy took of a group of snoozing pilgrims. (Sorry 'bout that -- I'll try to make up for it later. )

Today, Wednesday, October 21 was our first touring day. We took a private boat from our hotel in Mestre (the nearest town on the "mainland") directly to San Marcos square in Venice. The boat ride itself was a quite a thrill, and Peggy and Tricia (along with a few other women) certainly enjoyed the "eye candy" ;)

We had the privilege of celebrating Mass at San Marcos in one of the chapels below the main level. Just walking through the private passageways was an amazing experience because every inch of the basilica is breathtaking. (I will post a picture of Father Nathan saying mass tomorrow; we're having a few internet glitches at the hotel in Venice.)

After Mass, we had a tour of the basilica and of San Marcos square from very knowledgeable local guides.

We then had free time, with most of the group remaining with our tour guide for a gondola ride and lunch.

Peggy and Tricia, however, decided to explore Venice on our own and had a delightful lunch of fresh seafood (and wine, of course) near the pescaria (fish market).

Almost everyone in our group enjoyed a little bit of shopping, with Murano glass jewelry among the most popular items. Everyone agreed we had a wonderful day in Venice -- the weather couldn't have been better. We returned to the hotel tired but happy and ready for tomorrow when we travel to Padua and Montecatini Terme, our home base for exploring Tuscany. Ciao for now!