Venice

Today was spent traveling along the most beautiful countryside on our way to Venice. What a great place to visit - a shopper's paradise! Italy has been amazing for those who love leather goods (Gucci purses, leather gloves - a few items purchased :)), Murano glass, and anything else you can picture. Some of us elected to travel through the canals viewing quaint houses and gorgeous flowers on balconies by way of a gondola - totally awesome!

We visited Doce's Palace where the Counter-Reformation was persistent in trying to "squash" the Reformation movement. It is filled with the most beautiful paintings reflecting their belief that the Reformation was not to be embraced. Several paintings depict Mary, the mother of Jesus, as the intercessor/protector/savior elevating her status and importance above Jesus as the way to be saved . It was very interesting and thought provoking to actually see some of the thought behind the antagonists of the Reformation.