28-29.05.2011 – Venice

I was quite thankful to get out of Rome, as much history as there is, as old as it is, as how different it is, its too busy for me, and it was time to go. The minute we got on the freeway to Firenze (Florence/Tuscany region) the landscape changed. The hill-towns of Umbria all through the Tuscany and Apennine Mountains to the Venetian plains were simply beautiful, I realized then, I prefer the north of Italy far more, and loads more open space! We soon arrived in the magical city of Venice. Did you know Venice consists of ….islands? Well I did not either! We had to catch a taxi boat to our absolutely fantastic Molino Stucky Hilton Hotel! It used to be an old flour mill converted to a hotel. Well, I thought I had gone to heaven, the rooms were simply so elegant and comfortable!. After settling in, we took an evening cruise down the Grand Canal to the marble arcades of St. Mark’s Square. My first sight was the dazzling sight of St Mark’s Basilica and Campanile. Next door is the ‘Dodge’s Palace’ connected around the back of to the prisons by the bridge of Sighs. We then had a gondola ride for 30 mins through the atmospheric canals, included a bottle champagne for 6, but fortunate for us, we were only 4 ladies, so we had more!...it was just such a pinch me moment! We then went for a quick Venetian dinner, with several dishes placed in front of us, of course, the Italians just dish up far too much…but we ate it all!

Early morning breakfast made me feel wow…..they served ‘Champagne’ for breakfast, and of course….we HAD to have some…7am I might add!!!!! Well it kick started the day anyway! Again we found ourselves on a water taxi towards the main island. We had a guided tour through some scenic streets, and the lesser known parts of the island, and then we were free to shop, and boy everyone shopped today, because we had 2 and half hours free time, and did not feel rushed. The little island really started to get busy as there were FOUR cruiships in, they come daily sometime even 6 ships, the amount of tourists are phenomenal, and quite frankly, I hate it, and it really does spoil the beauty of a place, one just feels like sheep, all shopping for souvenisr!

We all met at 1.30 to get back on the water taxi to be ferried to Mutano Island, where were taken to a authentic venetian glass blowing factory, and was given a demonstration, and boy what an artist this guy was. It’s a dying art, but it was good to see the real thing, and yes…very, very expensive!

We then boarded the water taxi again and explored the Venetian lagoon and then visited the Burano Islands, there the buildings are more colorful, it’s a proper fishing village, and also known for its lace m We enjoyed a superb fish lunch, included were clams, calamari, and sea bass, done in the authentic way, finishing off with typical venetian biscuits that one dips into your wine (to soften up) all in all, a fairly busy day, but yet so enjoyable. I love Venice! Tomorrow, the place I have been waiting for TUSCANY – Florence…artist dream!!