The Basilica of San Marco towered above me.  I snapped off a few photos of its half exposed, half under-construction exterior.  This was our first Italian landmark, and Steve Rick’s advice was spot on to visit in the mid-afternoon when the crowds were smaller. Brand new Samsung NX3000 camera in hand, I was ready to photo document its interior – the Byzantine architecture, the glittering mosaics, the golden altar, the tomb of Saint…