Taylor Family Vacation - May 18, 1998

	Around Venice and San Marco
Click on the small picture to see a larger one.	May 18, 1998
Click on the small picture to see a larger one.	Home Page Daily Log

	Most of today was spent wandering through the San Marco area of Venice. It contains several interesting buildings, a glass factory, and, of course, lots of little tourist-oriented stores.
	This is called a "bocca di leone" and was used for making accusations against others. The accuser would put the paper in the mouth of this figure, which was then investigated by the local authorities. Mostly used for tax evaders.
	The Doge's Palace is a very ornate building, which began as a fortified castle in the 9th century. It was rebuilt during the 14th and 15th centuries, and is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, marble sculpture, and paintings.
	This is the Basilica San Marco, which claims the remains of St. Mark among its treasures. Built first in the 9th century, then remodeled over until 1807, it has the most ornate mosaic works decorating the interior.
	We don't know what this building is, but it reminds us of the library where Indiana Jones said "X marks the spot" in the movie "The Last Crusade." There were several scenes in Venice, including the boat chase.
	Tonight, at dinner, Michael took three water bottle caps and started playing with them. He made one look like a crab, then put all three together and announced, "Look, Dad, I made a Corinthian column!" Maybe we've traveled too much.