Herbert admitted his mistake and said, "Surely we should use our common sense and warn you when you are likely to put yourself in jeopardy in the West [by trespassing]."
Baba agreed, "It was your duty to warn me, but you must give in when I insist."
After two weeks along the Italian Riviera, Baba entrained with all from Santa Margherita to Venice on Wednesday, 17 August 1932. Kitty was supervising every detail of their journey. They changed trains in Genoa, and Enid Corfe joined them in Milan. The compartment was packed, but they arrived safely the next morning in Venice, where they checked into the Hotel International . Baba asked everyone to rest after bathing, but no one felt like resting. As they discussed matters, Baba instructed that they take particular care to stay with him as much as possible during the next two days in Venice. They promised to do so.
They visited St. Mark's Square at 11:00 A.M., and at the suggestion of the gopis, it was decided to enter the cathedral. Outside, Baba explained the church's architecture and its spiritual significance. He had them count and write down the number of pillars, domes and arches, which came to exactly 120.
Baba indicated, "This church is one of the four great spiritual centers of Europe. I put the plan of St. Mark's into the mind of the architect who built it, so that now the whole structure corresponds to the Avatar's 12 disciples of the inner circle and 108 disciples of the outer circles."
Baba then revealed, "Jesus came to the spot where Venice is now one month before his crucifixion with 34 of his followers. He left 22 there and went back to Jerusalem with 12."
Baba entered the church with the men, but rules barred the women from entering. They then returned to the hotel for lunch and went again to St. Mark's Square at four in the afternoon. At the request of his lovers, their photographs were individually taken with Baba feeding the pigeons.
When they arrived back at the hotel, however, Baba was in an obviously unhappy mood.
He gathered the group and asked, "Why did you break a promise?"
They were taken aback and looked to each other to realize their mistake.
Baba continued, "I instructed you to be with me continuously, yet while returning to the hotel, you lingered behind to see the beauty of Venice and the lovely things displayed in the shop windows. You did not care about my instructions. I had to send someone back to call you more than once."