Venice Day 2

Unusually, we had a healthy breakfast with ample coffee; yogurt, cereal and fruit. Nothing very Italian about the food provided except there is a form of Nutella for buns rather than jam or peanut butter.
Then we headed out to the San Marco Square to check out the pigeons and the marvellous architecture. Our first task was to take the water bus around Venice to find out where we need to be tomorrow morning to board the cruise ship. Lovely trip on the water with loads of pictures. Two observations on my part: the light is different and I think it has to do with the water reflecting the sky as it is very opaque and vice versa. The other thing is the locals’ commitment to flowers even when there is not a scrap of ground to grow it in. They plant where ever possible and, the best effect is when they select a single flower in a bank of solid colour. Really gorgeous.
Upon our return to San Marco, we took the tour through the cathedral. Unfortunately, pictures were not permitted as I would love to have had some pictures of the floors. The work and design of the floor mosaics is amazing. I have no idea how long the installation of the floor took but most of the pieces of terrazzo were less than an inch in size. Considering the size of the cathedral, the number of pieces required is huge. We were also impressed with the skill required to design and build cathedrals. Even the secondary churches in Venice are huge and impressive only dwarfed by the genius and size of St. Marks. Anywhere else, they would be of note because of their size; kind of like being George Harrison of the Beatles.
After this stop, we visited the various stalls looking at the souvenirs being offered. As our luggage is already a challenge, we promised each other that we would not get anything more so we did not add bulk and weight. T-shirts, porkpie hats, t-towels, and, of course, masks are at each stall; including that in the cathedral which added rosary beads and prayer books. Since I was not permitted to buy stuff, I treated us to our 3rd gelato which we ate while watching a bridal couple going through the Square, pigeons chasing each other (maybe mating season) and people watching.
We walked for some time through the narrow walkways checking out windows and restaurant menus. I heard a young boy say there were only two things to do in Venice: shop and eat, but I would add walk. There are no cars and no way for them to get over here so everything is delivered either by the canals or by hand carts. Renovations are being done all the time and the debris is carted by wheelbarrow to some pick-up point. Building supplies, food, furniture, everything is delivered to the island by barges. What is a maze of streets frequently cut-up with canals has started to make sense to John with his map. I would still be sleeping in the Square as I am not so clear about the routes.
We managed to find our little shop from last night and bought two bottle of plunk to drink while watch the gondola traffic outside our window. It is unending and we frequently jump up to see them glide under our window. Contrary to my wish not to be photographed, I suspect I am in more than a few pictures going home with tourists. I seem t o be a particular favourite with Chinese tourists who wave and say hello. I think they think that I am a local - wouldn't that be great.