Our first impression of Italy was not a positive one: a long drive through the industrial north under overcast skies. However, after successfully catching the train in to la Serissima (yes Brian the ticket machine is STILL broken, but found out that you can buy tickets at the restaurant next to it, but beware that it is not open every morning and we also had a ticketless, stressed ride in one morning where we couldn’t discover the conductor even after going to the front, as per your instructions, but thank god we didn’t get fined!) all negative thoughts were replaced by the surreal experience of standing on the Grand Canal after being in France 24 hours earlier.
Condensed thoughts on Venice:
1.Really cold – the coldest days we have had yet, including the Pyrenees. Yet even this did not seem to deter the number of people visiting.
2.Much more confusing than Toledo but getting lost was part of the enjoyment and not as tiring as it is flat, not steep.
3.Glad it did not rain, or was not in flood as feared, (although planking stacked everywhere for such an occurrence) but too many bloody pigeons and stupid tourists encouraging them by spending money to feed them.
4.Expensive, by far the most expensive city we have been in, and the most expensive drinks we have ever had in our lives - $35Aus Gin and Tonic at Harry’s Bar, but then if it’s good enough for Hemingway and Capote, it’s good enough for me!- but the Basilica (had to pay to see the bronze horses) and the
Doge’s Palace are well worth the money. Margot you would have needed to spend hours at the chiropractor after staring up at the mosaics. 5.Our trip down the Grand Canal from San Zaccaria to Ferrovia, at sunset, after our day out at Murano was better than any gondola ride could ever be.
6.Physically bigger than expected and near impossible to explore thoroughly.
7.Far too many American tourists wandering the streets and exclaiming loudly at every little thing; cruise ships should really be banned from docking at Venice.
And whilst these all sound predominantly negative, our experience there was far from it. It is certainly the most unique and surprising city we have been in, or are likely to see on this trip, and as I stood there taking my last look at the canal before catching the train back out to Mira to leave for Florence the next morning, I was loathe to leave it and felt that 4 days was not enough.
The only other point worthy of note is with regards to my hair. Yes, it’s true, I’m not naturally this blonde and despite James’ comments that “roots don’t look tacky” dying it was the easiest option – despite the fact that I haven’t actually done it myself since I was 18 when I realized that there is a reason you pay professionals to do it for you. Besides, this way I can better blend in with all of the other dark haired Italian beauties! The only problem with this is that, according to James, my hair is purple. Must text hairdresser for immediate appointment on return!
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