| The people who run the big sights in Venice have generally welcomed us to film, but only when they're closed to the public. Consequently, we people big, vacant halls with me, our producer Simon, and — if we can talk him or her into it — a reluctant guard. On this morning, we were on the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica. The church was closed for 20 more minutes, but I noticed the line had already formed and was growing rapidly. It was fun to see how everyone had their various sources of information to prep for the experience. I didn't see any of my guidebooks...I'd like to think it's because my readers find ways to avoid these lines. (In the case of St. Mark's, you can check a bag nearby for free, and your deposit receipt lets you slip directly in.) |
