Day 8

This morning we went to the Venetian fish market to take some really cool pictures of fish being displayed and gutted. The market also had wonderful fruit displays that made for some really great, colorful photos. After spending the morning at the market, we split up into groups and were able to choose where we ate lunch. Again, I had pizza (so good!). We then had a short time to walk around and take pictures on our own. Since we were near the Realto Bridge, I focused my free time on taking pictures of it. After that we met and split up into three groups: Ducal Palace, Peggy Guggenheim Museum, and shopping/relaxing time. I decided to your the Ducal Palace. The palace is on the Grand Canal right next to St Marks's Square. It is very ornate and guilds inside. In addition to being the home f the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Ducal Palace houses various Senate, council, and court rooms. There is a bridge (called the Bridge of Sighs) that leads from the court room to the prison across the canal. We were able to walk across the bridge ad tour the prison as well. The cells were cramped and dark, and I got a little claustrophobic inside. It was cool to learn that the prison was the first of its kind. Before it was built, all prisoners were kept in dungeon-like cells under palaces and castles. The prison set a new precedent for the treatment of prisoners. They were given outdoor time in the prison court yard each day as well as good food. After finishing the tour of the Palace/prison we headed back to the hotel to pack. Next, we organized a gondola ride. Luckily, 6 of us wanted to go, which is exactly the maximum a gondola can hold. This meant that we were able to split the cost only about €13 each (the total cost was €80). I LOVED the gondola ride. It was so relaxing! I feel like the boats in Venice seem to glide on the water unlike anywhere else I've seen. All the sights from the boats are just so beautiful, it's hard to put into words (I have some pictures though!). After the gondola ride we went to a nice dinner where we had a full 3 course Italian dinner with pasta, meat, and dessert. Then we watched a slideshow of everyone's best pictures and said goodbyes to the counselors and our fellow campers. I love you so much. It's been fun keeping these blog posts of my trip and I'm glad I could share it with you. Talk to you all soon.

Love,
Jack