Holiday instalment #6 - Venice - city of water!!!!

Back again.....

after a nightmare bus trip from Paris to Milan and then 3 hours on a train.... we finally arrived in Venice to a slightly soggy city... it had been raining during the morning.... we arrived around 12.30ish in the afternoon.... As we knew our hotel was near St Marks Square we caught the water ferry to the St Marks stop..... and then lugged our rather large suitcases along and over a couple of bridges to get to the Square...... only to find it around 8 inches under water!!!!!!!!!  result of the high tide and the rain.... so a bit of an adventure was had trying to find our way through little back streets and alley's, over bridges and even at one part, Peter having to lift the cases over some water in the street.... but finally found the hotel..... about 50 paces from the Square.  We quickly checked in and then went back to see the square....

 An amazing sight, seeing all the tourist walking round with trousers rolled up, shoes in hand or like us walking thorough the water in our sandals.   Yet 2 - hours later - dry as a bone.... We decided to take a bit of a walk around.... well that turned out a bit of an adventure too..... we thought we knew where we were.... but alas that wasn't so.... we did get  a little lost... very quickly learnt to map out where we wanted to go and how to get there.... with all the tall buildings and narrow streets and little piazza's everywhere there are not real landmarks to get your bearings.... still did see lots of streets that didn't have ANY other tourists in.... and made it back to the Square in time to hear the quartets playing in the outdoor cafes.

Next day we walked over to see the Rialto Bridge, then back again to see the Bridge of Sighs ( a bit disappointing as there are restorations going on), visited a couple of little churches and just wandered round.

Yes that bell tower is on a lean.... it's not just my funny photographer...
(BTW note to Sally... I FOUND Bellini's....and now am addicted.  For those not in the know, Sally advised me that I should try a Peach Bellini when in Italy... a sort of cocktail of sparkling wine and peach puree... very addictive....)  Had one just about every lunch time and evening.

And of course we couldn't be in Venice and not have a Gondola ride.... Very expensive 80 euro for half and hour - but a must do..  we did one round the back canals rather than on the grand canal.  Got to see where the real people lived.

We were very lucky with the weather.  Despite the forecast for rain and thunder... it was a perfectly hot and sunny day.  In the evening it was still very warm so we went into the Square and listened to the music in the outdoor cafes and watch a gala presentation that was part of the Venice Film Festival... didn't see any stars though!!!

Thanks for stopping by.... more of Venice tomorrow.