Venice

The Rialto Bridge

Venice Photos Here

After a relatively quick trip from Verona, we arrived in Venice. Anne's getting better at the high speed touring as there were less corners - we sat on 140+ kph most of the way. We found the car park, then a quick boat trip to San Marco, and we were wandering the alleyways like natives.

The hotel put us in one of their 'Annex' which turned out to be the 1st and 2nd floors of a terrace house, so we had lots of room, but lots of stairs which were very creaky as they looked to be made out of old packing cases.

The hotel was ideally located almost between San Marco (St. Mark's square) and the Rialto bridge, but not quite on centre, so knowing when to 'turn left' was always difficult, so we usually went via San Marco.

Walking is a big part of Venice, and for most of the time, we didn't stop unless eating Gellato. We've all lost weight, even Benny! Anne's still window shopping, but hasn't bought anything - almost bought a bracelet but wasn't sure so didn't, and saw a pair of shoes in a shop which was closed ... we tried to find the way back the following day, but 'in the little alleyway' isn't all that descriptive in this place.

Highlights of the trip were:
- the Doge's (Duke) Palace - especially the huge map room, complete with large very detailed globes, the amoury with all manner of swords, arrows and guns, and the dungeons, (guess it's a boy thing)
- the trip to the top of the Campanile (bell tower) in San Marco Square, especially when they rang the bells when we were right under them - they were very big, and very loud! (really a boy thing), and,
- the Gondola ride going past Marco Polo's house which had cute little flower boxes, and Cassanova's house which was huge.

We could have easily done with another day in Venice,