Torcello and Grand Canale

Our final island for the day was Torcello, just across from Burano.  It has the oldest church in the lagoon on it (circa 1000) and very few residents.

We returned all the way back to central Venice (about a 40 boat ride) and then the group split up, with some returning to the hotel, and the rest of us heading toward the Grand Canale to see more of the famous residences (and gondolas).  It was a great ride and very sceanic.  We ended at San Marco square and grabbed a bite to eat.  The staff wouldn't let us sit outdoors, perhaps because the seats were reserved, or perhaps because we didn't look quite classy enough to be sitting there. (We were a bit bedraggled after a full day of walking and boat riding).  After dinner we headed back to the hotel for some much needed rest.

Delaney and Steffin both invited the birds onto their arms and outstretched hands.  Quite a funny sight and fortunately no 'accidents'.

When we arrived in St Marco square, it was clearly set up for a big event with a jumbotron and a lot of seats.  We discovered as we left after dinner that it was the Italian Special Olympic competition.  Each of the regional teams carried in signs on large oars.