Florence - the Duomo

The city of Florence decided to build the biggest dome in the world in the 1400's, without knowing how to achieve it! Brunelleschi, the architect for the dome, devised a system of an inner shell and outer dome to distribute the weight of the cupola, with thick walls negating the need for further buttressing.  They left the cathedral uncapped for years waiting for  a solution to be devised.

The Colosseum

Apparently, over 5000 different types of exotic animals were killed in sport here during its heyday. A movable wooden floor covered in sand to soak up the blood concealed the animal cages and sophisticated technical apparatus, from winches and mechanical lifts to ramps and trapdoors.  These contests were also used to eliminate slaves and proscribed sects, Christians and criminals, political agitators and prisoners of war. 

With the fall of the Roman Empire, the Coliseum fell into disuse.  The ruins were plundered to create churches and palaces.  Apparently, this was an early sustainability practice!  HA!

Dinner in Rome

Who needs to speak Italian?  Hand gestures say it all. 

The Ryan's at Ponte di Rialto

My sister Cindy and me (Melissa)

 Mike and Melissa

 Megan, Michael, Melissa, Carson

 Melissa's sister Cindy, husband Matt, Erin and Drake.  The Wheeler's joined us on the trip. 

The Gondola Ride

The Gondola holds 6 people, Mike and Matt opted out.  Ever since I was a child, I imagined riding the Gondola in Venice.  A dream come true!

Ponte di Rialto, Venice's most famous bridge.  The balustrade bridge is single-span and has two parallel rows of tightly packed shops. The previous wooden drawbridges built across this point all collapsed, necessitating the erection of a more weighty stone structure.  Antonio da Ponte beat the greatest architects of the day, including Michaelangelo and Palladio, to secure this commission in 1588-1592.

Less graffiti here than in Athens, but still some samplings. This one was interesting. 

The Gondola driver knows when to duck.

Our driver

More from Venice

There were beggar's as well in Venice as in all the cities we visited.

Cousin Erin and Megan

A fellow book lover.

 

Try to look past the color of the water.

 

 Cindy showing how narrow the alley can get.

Glass making is one of the Venice islands special craft.

 

 What would you like?

Doge Palace interior courtyard. 

Mike in St Mark's Square

 

Venice in its glory!

Wow, I can't stop taking pictures!  Venice is so beautiful, every corner, every street is delightful.  Our first day, we did not run into many tourist.  These pictures are from June 23rd.