Thursday #2 - On to Venezia

I lost several posts, so I am back to square one... ARGH...


We departed from the city of Aosta along the same valley Hannibal traveled, Agustus traveled, and the former king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel traveled to his hunting lodge (Sarre' Castle).



Along the route are many other castles, which I try to point out to the students.




They seem too engrossed in their iPods and games of Candy Crush.



In following the FQR format I want the students to use (Fact, Question, Response), I wonder what they expect to get from this trip. I am so inquisitive about all I see, hear, and have a sense of wonder, do they?

Are Ray and I unusual in our natural curiosity and expression of awe, wonder, and enjoyment? How much does out upbringing impact our sense of travel today? These are some things I really want to think about after we get home.

It's not everyday that one sees one castle.... But the Valle D'Aosta is filled with them.

I photograph these glimpses to history through the windows of the bus, so I will remember their unusual placement and beauty.

If I am able to return to this area next year, I would like to visit Fenis Castle, which, on the Aosta Valley web site, seems to be the most beautiful of all. See more:

 www.lovevda.it/en/culture/castles.

The bus driver tells me that this castle is evident in the movie, The Avengers. I'm not familiar with the movie, but will check it out when we get home.


We barely make the train in Turin (allow more time). We jump on and settle into the most modern and clean train car I have ever been on. The luggage rack is in the middle of the car (makes more sense to prevent theft) and it is clean and comfortable. We have room to spread out, at lest for a while.

It's grey when we reach the train station that ends the land and opens to the Venetian lagoon. We are met by the MIR turgid and I immediately purchase the 2 day water bus tickets for the students and Ray and me. The price is 7 euro per trip and 20 euro for unlimited trips for 48 hours. It's best to buy now and its done.

We take a ride on a private water taxi to the hotel, getting only a glimpse of the Grand Canal. We take a few group photos, and I am disappointed it is all so gray. I really wanted the WOW factor for these students. Oh well. I am not in charge of the weather!

The hotel is down near the Guggenheim Museum and the cathedral of Santa Maria della Salute. I just finished reading about when it was built in a historical novel, The Venetian Bargain by Marina Fiorato.

It was raining and the girls were's ready, so Greg, Ray and I visited the church. On the way we found St. Gregory's Church. 

We had a mediocre meal, but had a little orientation over the Academia Bridge and through the calle and alley ways of Venice. St. Mark's Square was ever amazing. 

Off for some sleep after a long travel day.