Robin Hood  – September 14, 2026 

  • Venice: Day 4
  • Weather:  65-80° / sunny & winds 5 mph

Venice returned from the Fourth Crusade with plunder from Istanbul.  To show Venice’s wealth much of the cathedral was covered with precious stones and marble from the Crusade.  The five domes are a blaze of golden stones.  The mosaic floor is made of intricate marble patterns. The Crusades were never about Robin Hood stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. 

Blaze of golden stones.
Five domes in total.
Precious Stones
Intrigued Marble Patterns

Charming Blemishes – September 13, 2026 

  • Venice: Day 3
  • Weather:  60-80° / sunny & winds 5-15 mph

Avoid shops advertising “Murano Glass Factory” as the pieces are mass produced.  Look for “Murano Glass Studio” where pieces are hand made with blemishes adding to their charm. 

Japanese Bead submitted in a popularity jury.
Murano Glass Studio
Glass Chandelier at Murano Glass Museum.

Climb Every Step – September 12, 2026 

  • Venice: Day 2
  • Weather:  60-80° / sunny & winds 5 mph

Santa Maria della Salute’s dome dominates the sky.  For more gumption than money I climbed the dome stairs for a spectacular view. The church was commissioned as thanks for preserving Venice from the 17th century plague.

Dome from the across the lagoon.
The blue ribbon on the horizon is the Dolomites, my next port.
Lagoon View