Author: Jayne Lawson

The Adventure Begins!

We had a full day planned today despite the heat and humidity. Our first adventure began with a tour to the Doges Palace. It turned out that the doges were men who basically were in charge of Venice. A doge was like the head honcho of the group of men who made laws and governed the territory. He was chosen for life, and this palace was where he lived.

Clockwise fro top-left: Doges Palace, inner courtyard stairs to second level of palace, two paintings (most paintings were commissioned by individual doges who always had themselves included in the painting), courtroom of Palace, huge room that would accommodate more than 2,000 people for specific gatherings

This palace was also the place where trials were conducted, and so it was also connected to a prison. There were two levels on the prison. The upper level was for political prisoners, and they were incarcerated in relative comfort. One of the more famous political prisoners here was Casanova. The lower level was for the “common” criminal. Living conditions here were harsh, and many prisoners died due to poor nutrition, sanitation, and general care. There was a bridge that connected the palace to the prison. It was known as the “Bridge of Sighs” because the prisoners sighed as they crossed knowing they would probably never leave the prison alive. There were tiny openings where they could get one last glimpse of the outside world before being placed in their cells.

Clockwise from top-left: Walking the Bridge of Sighs, prisoner’s last view of outside world as he walked the bridge, cell bars, lower level cell, prison corridor

The second part of our tour took us to St. Mark’s square to see the Basilica of St. Mark. The square itself was huge. There was a bell and clock tower as well as two large pillars at its entrance. Between these two pillars, public executions were held. Superstitious Italians will not pass between these pillars for fear of bringing bad luck upon themselves. Once in the basilica, no photos were allowed, but it was an interesting structure. Lots of gold-plated mosaics and paintings on the outside of the basilica. It is said the “body” of Mark is here. Our guide said that his body had been in Alexandria, but the Venetians “borrowed” it, and then never gave it back. He is supposedly in the coffin in the church. The inside of the church is dark, with blue marble columns, lots of wooden chairs and a very uneven floor due to the foundation settling beneath it. The floor has an intricate patter in it, and there are large red curtains throughout the basilica. There is a special door for the doge to enter and attend the services, which is also used for special people that would want to attend the basilica’s service. The outside of the basilica is very ornate, and in its baroque arches there are paintings of various events. One is the “Last Judgment,” and another is the theft of Mark’s body from Alexandria.

Clockwise from top-let: painting in outer arch, front of basic, St. Mark’s Square tower, Venice’s symbol – the lion, arch painting that depicts the theft of Mark’s body

Part three of our tour was a motor boat cruise through the canals. We saw lots of different bridges and buildings. We even came out of one canal into the Venice lagoon and nearly intercepted a regatta race! Boats are everywhere on the canals, going in every direction. When one gets too close to another, they simply honk a horn and the offending boat veers out of the way!

Clockwise from top-left: apartment building, heading up a side canal, part of the Grand Canal, regatta races in Venice Lagoon, heading for a bridge on a side canal, passing the Doges Palace in a motor boat, the Rialto Bridge.

After that, John and I decided to go for a gondola ride. We started in the Grand Canal near the Doges Palace, turning into a smaller canal and sailing under the Bridge of Sighs. This must be a popular canal for gondolas because when we entered it, we found we were not alone! There were a lot of other gondolas coming and going! Since gondolas have no horns, it was interesting to see them all maneuver around each other, barely missing one another as they passed, or tilting the gondola to miss the side of a bridge. It was lots of fun! We even passed one gondola where a man was serenading the couple riding in it.

Clockwise from top-left: Heading into the Grand Canal, gondola traffic jam, Us and our gondolier, heading for the Bridge of Sighs, view of the side canal we were in from the Bridge of Sighs

It was a perfect way to end our time in Venice. Tomorrow, we leave for Rome.

Day of Discovery

I don’t think anything could have prepared me for Venice. I knew it was a city built on water with lots of canals, but that first moment of seeing the Grand Canal when I stepped out of the train station made me stop in my tracks.

All I remember doing is hitting John’s arm, saying “That’s it! That’s the canal!”

The next hurdle was getting to our hotel. First we had to get a water bus ticket. Even when you read the explicit instructions in the travel books, it is still challenging. First, from where did you buy your ticket? Second, to which platform do you go, and in which direction? Third, where do you get off?

The ticket office is the building in the distance with the yellow sign This is before we got our ticket. The lines grew exponentially by the time we got there, but who doesn’t love standing in a long line with the hot sun beating down on you? Of course, since we had just arrived, everything was exciting. Our travel book told us to board bus “B.” No problem, right? Wrong. All the water buses were numbered! Was it #1 or #2 or “N”? Finally, we decided it was #2 after studying the departure board. But was it the right choice?

Who cared! After being herded like cows onto the water bus, we were now riding on the canal, savoring every moment!

These are a few sights we saw on our first canal ride.

Our hotel was very nice , but it was like being a detective trying to find it. We got off at the right “stop,” but there was not a single sign to direct you nor was there anyone anywhere to ask a question. It was like being dropped off on a deserted island. The few who got off with us quickly disappeared into a residence. We were alone. What did we do? Turned on the GPS. What did it tell us? “You are there!!” Hmm… that was helpful.

This is looking back at the water bus stop.

All the buildings looked alike. No street names could be seen anywhere. We started to check out the doorways. Aha! We found a museum. How did I know it was a museum? The welcome mat in the recessed doorway had its name on it. (I actually hoped it was our hotel in disguise, but it was not.) This wasn’t too helpful since we knew we weren’t staying in a museum, but maybe there was someone inside who could help. I went in and looked around. No one. We moved on. What about this street? Again, no street sign or building sign. How does anyone know where to go in Venice? (Never again will I complain about the streets with multiple names in Georgia!)

I hesitate to call this a street. This was one of the narrow walkways that intersected with the “main” one we were on. We decided to walk to the end and back, after all GPS insisted everywhere we walked was “it.” We walked to the building with the two plants, and guess what! This was it! The name of our hotel was on the welcome mat in the recessed doorway! (No point in having a sign when you have a doormat.)

I felt so silly. Who wouldn’t know this was a Marriott?

Tomorrow, our Venice adventure will officially begin.

Today we woke early after a good night’s sleep. We headed down for breakfast, which was quite tasty before going to the lobby to await our tour guide.

Inns River

Our first stop was the Triumphal Arch, which was built in 1765. This arch was to commemorate the marriage of Archduke Leopold to Spanish princess, Maria Luisa. Unfotunately, Leopold’s father died suddenly during the festivities, so one side of the arch is “”in mourning” for the emperor, while the other side is dedicated to the wedding.

Hofkirche
Innsbruck became a wealthy empire from silver and salt mining under the leadership of Maximillian I. He wanted to be remembered through the ages, so he had a huge tomb built for when he died. This is the Court Church housing the tomb of Emperor Maximillian I. It is quite ornate and actually serves as a church although it’s original intent was solely to be a tomb. Two years before Maximillian died, he changed his will to include being buried in his birthplace and not in the tomb.

The tomb of Andreas Hofer is also here. It is very small, but as the “father of Austria,” he is important to the people as well.

Bell Tower
Built in 1450, the city tower is the oldest structure in the city. However, the roof is not original. It was built during the Renaissance, whereas the tower is gothic. A man used to live in the tower to stand watch over the city. In the event of danger, he would ring the bell to sound the alarm.

Bell tower is blue structure in distance.

Empress Maria Theresa
She ruled from 1740-1780. She was very progressive, especially in education. She started the first integrated school for boys and girls.

This painting is on an outside wall of a building.

Golden Roof
Here is where the emperor and empress would watch tournaments between knights or dances on the town center.

Town Artwork
A painting of St. Christopher is this orange building. He is the patron saint of travelers, it was believed if you saw his portrait in the morning, you would have safely through the day.

In the old town of Innsbruck, one can see the original walkway. By McDonald’s, there is a painting in the ceiling of the walkway. It was painted in 1507 and shows a “battalion eagle” illustrating the vast empire of Macmillan I. He once said the sun ever sets on Austria because his empire was so huge.

This sculpture honors the farmers and locals took up arms against Napoleon who fought with the Bavarians (Germans) in 1703.

Imperial Palace

Built in 1499, it was the seat of government and finance for the Hapsburg family.

Dome of St. James Cathedral
In 1249, the cathedral was first built, then in 1721 the Dome of St. James was added.
It is in the style of baroque architecture. There is a 1534 painting from an east German friend of Martin Luther, Lucas Grana the elder. It is known as the “Reformation Madonna” because it had no halo on Jesus or Mary. It is the most copied painting in Catholic Churches.

Ottoburg Resstaurant
I had my first real Austrian food for lunch. I ordered wienerschnitzel. What a surprise to find out that this was actually a pork cutlet!

The dining culture takes some getting used to. It is a culinary experience that is definitely not rushed!

High Above Innsbruck
We decided to ride the funicular and gondolas to the top of Mt. Hafelekarspitze (7,585 ft). Of course, John headed for the summit while I photographed his adventure. It was quite a bit cooler here than down in the valley.

Clockwise from Top-left: gondola ride, summit of mountain, peeking over the edge, view from the “almost-top,” Innsbruck below

Republicu Cafe
Dinner was pizza with ham and mushrooms for John and grilled sausages for me. So hoping I am actually getting something similar to a kielbasa. Well, my dinner was closer to a spicy hot dog, but it was good! John said his pizza was the best he’s had so far. I took a bite. I didn’t agree. I preferred the one we had the first night in Rome. We had apple strudel for dessert. Not bad, but I will take gelato any day!

Prosciutto and mushroom pizza, grilled sausages and fries, apple strudel

Next stop: Venice, Italy

Psalm 16:11 “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.“

Nothing like starting your day with a gondola ride up a mountain! The ride started with a small 4-seat bucket for the first 3/4 of the ride. The views were amazing, unless you looked down!

Once we reached the second station, we switched to a 52-person gondola for the last leg of our trip.

When we reached Pilatus Klum (6,795 ft), we were greeted by a man playing a tune on the alpine horn. A little bit later he played “Amazing Grace,” and it was beautiful!

John decided to hike to the summit (7,000 ft), so off he went. If you look carefully, you can see him waving his hat. Of course, I stayed below to capture the epic moment on my camera!

We had panoramic vistas in every direction. We could see the Alps and the towns below, all the while being serenaded by alpine musicians.

I decided John couldn’t have all the fun. While he chose to go up the mountain, I chose to go inside it! Not only was it less strenuous, it was also quite a bit cooler. Look closely and you can spot me peeking through one of the openings on the mountain’s side.

After a picnic lunch of peanut butter, cheese, crackers and cookies on the other side of the mountain, we boarded the cog train to Alpnachstad. This train descends at a 48 degree angle! Yikes! (I did not look down on this one either!) The photo on the left is from a post card to show the steepness of the descent. The two on the right are photos of the train that was right behind us on the track.

We chose to return by boat instead of train, so the last part of our day was in a boat on Lake Lucerne.

We arrived back in Lucerne after a great day outdoors. Tonight, we are planning to have pizza and gelato! (You’d think we were back in Italy!)

“My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” Psalm 71:23

Today we embarked on “The Golden Pass,” another scenic train ride. This one was from Montreux to Luzern, Switzerland. Once again, there  wasn’t a whole lot to write about in regards to these photos, but I thought I’d share some of the sights we saw as we  rode the rails! I hope you like them.

Lake Geneva

 

Chateau D’Oex

 

Rougemont

 

Gstaad

 

Schönried

 

Zweisimmen

 

Boltigen

 

Spiez

 

Interlaken Ost

 

Meirigen

 

Brünig-Hasliberg

 

Lungern

 

Sachsen

 

Sarnen

 

Luzern

“Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” Deuteronomy 5:33

 

“Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” Psalm 37:4

I am on official Matterhorn watch. When we arrived in Zermatt yesterday, it was raining. We had no idea our hotel room was going to have such a nice view until John looked out and asked me if I thought the ghostly mountainous image in the distance could be the Matterhorn. I looked in the direction he was pointing, and I exclaimed, “Yes!” while in my mind I wondered, “Is this the best view we’re going to get?” I knew the weather forecast was not a good one, but I knew our God could do anything, so I prayed for better weather and an opportunity for John to see this mountain.This morning when I looked out, I saw a tiny spot of blue. It reminded me of the story in I Kings 18. Just a tiny cloud produced a “great rain.” I hoped my little patch of blue sky would produce a cloudless opportunity to view the Matterhorn.
If you know my husband, you know his love for mountains. He wanted so badly to ride the gondola up to a viewpoint, so I kissed him goodbye and sent him on his way. My job was to monitor the Matterhorn from our balcony. I was ready for when God was going to clear away the clouds and I could get “the picture.”
The view was getting better! The mountain was playing hide-and-seek in and out of the clouds, which was why I sat by the window, camera in hand, ready to run out onto the balcony the moment the peak appeared!

As I sat observing the clouds dissipate, the thrill of watching God work brought tears to my eyes. Why would He do this for us? Such a tiny thing in the overall scheme of things, yet the God of all creation chose to move the clouds away so His children could catch a glimpse of a mountain He made. How great the Father’s love!

Psalm 27:24 “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD”

Psalm 147:7-8 “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.”

While I was in Zermatt taking my pictures of the Matterhorn, here is what John was doing at 7,979 feet.

This is what John saw at 12,739 feet.

Top-left: Just over his hat, you can see the Matterhorn.
Top-right: Matterhorn peak
Bottom: Matterhorn Glacier Paradise station

For the record, it’s supposed to be raining right now.

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Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!”

“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Today we embarked on our 8-hour journey to see the Matterhorn (No, we are not going to Disney!) We are hoping to get a glimpse of the 4,478 meters high (14,553 feet) peak during our stay in Zermatt.

Morning in St. Moritz

 

We left St. Moritz around 9:15 am, and as we rode through the Alps, I listened to an instrumental CD of Christmas music. Some may think it’s too soon (never!), but Christmas hymns were perfect for the serenity of the Alps.

There were many river gorges on this trip, but the Rhine River Gorge was particularly striking. It is sometimes referred to as the “Swiss Grand Canyon.” According to the Swiss, the headwaters of the Rhine River are here.

We passed through many small towns, where homes dot the hills. Some are found very high on the hillsides. Everything looked so serene. The places we saw reminded me of the book, Heidi, a childhood favorite of mine.

Finally, we headed up to higher elevations, leaving the green valleys below. The highest point for us on the Glacier Express was Oberalpass. We were 2,033 meters (6,607 ft) above sea level and, due to the steep grades, we made the journey with the help of the cog wheel.

I thought we would see glaciers on this trip, but so far, not a glacier in sight! However, we did see lots of interesting scenery.

Past winter avalanche path

 

Pedestrian bridge across a river gorge

 

Cows grazing on the slopes of the Alps

 

Lai da Curnera Dam – An alpine dam that is over 500 feet tall. It is the 8th largest dam in Switzerland.

 

Finally, just before reaching Zermatt, we saw this glacier!

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This is my Father’s world, And to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas; His hand the wonders wrought.

 (from “This is My Father’s World” lyrics by M. D. Babcock)

 

 

 

“Thou are worthy, O Lord to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

This morning we embarked on our first scenic train ride. (Although I do think the train ride to St. Moritz from Zurich was pretty scenic!) We left St. Moritz at 9:30 am and headed into the Alps. As we gazed up the slopes of the mountains, we could clearly see the tree line. It is here the coniferous forests abruptly end, and tundra plants become the main vegetation.

I was so intent on getting a picture of our train on the track, I didn’t realize there was a glacier in the background!!

Here’s a better look at the glacier.

Ospizio Bernina – the highest point of our ride at 2253 meters (nearly 7,500 feet).

We stopped at Alp Grüm (2091 m) for a photo stop.

Our view of Poschiavo, Switzerland (1,014 m) as we descended on the switchback tracks!

We approached Brusio on the circular viaduct. It’s the famous part of track for this scenic train ride.

The first part of our ride terminated in Tirano, Italy. Here we had a couple of hours to have lunch (paninis and gelato!) and explore before reboarding the train for the trip back to St. Moritz.

The train ride itself was very smooth. No “rickety-rackety” that is usually associated with trains. This train is electric, and the railroad ties are bolted down, so it was pretty quiet. At one point, we rode at a 7% grade! I may not have heard any train noise, but my heart was sure thumping! Yikes!

On our way back to St. Moritz, we sat on the opposite side of the train, so we had new vistas! The scenery was absolutely gorgeous!

Lake Miralago

Pontresina, Switzerland

Lake Bianca

Isn’t it breathtaking? Our God is so amazing! His works are overwhelming in beauty and majesty, and so glorifying to Him!

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy; merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!      (from “Holy, Holy, Holy” by Reginald Heber)

“All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3

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Take a moment and look around at all God has created… then praise His holy name!