Venice to Florence

Today sadly we checked out of the St Regis but not before seeing the Pope arrive.  Learning of his arrival was a surprise to us.  The hotel managed the logistics in moving us who were checking out on this day. The section around Saint Mark's Square on the Grand Canal was closed. The police allowed the hotels in the area of San Marco where we were, to only use Water Taxi.  There were no Water busses allowed.  

With the sun into us and him being very protected we had a hard time getting pictures.  He flew in by helicopter to the Women's Prison and then took a motor board to the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute where he spoke with the University Students.  He was then wheelchaired over a temporary bridge (made for him) to Saint Mark's Square where he held mass in front of Basilica di San Marco.  We left shortly after he entered into the square.  

You can barely see him in his white robe

Being escorted over the temporary bridge.  Very hard to see. 

From the TV

Here are some photos of Venice during our Water Taxi ride to the train station...we are off to Florence.