A WONDERFUL DAY IN VENEZIA

We've had a wonderful, wonderful day in Venice. We caught a bus from right out front our hotel to the water taxi station. We were squashed in like sardines on the bus and had serious concerns for Jayden's breathing ability since he was shorter than everyone around him. A 1/2 hour water taxi ride and we were at Piazza San Marco, one of the most beautiful squares in the world.















Dave and Sofie went to walk up the Bell Tower next to Basilica di San Marco but the only option was an elevator 60 metres to the top of the 100 metre tower.

The views from above Venice were spectacular.

Jayden and I stayed in the piazza and became friends with the local pigeons and when Sofie returned they took a liking to her and visa versa. Poppy Allan, you've got helpers whenever you want.

There was still evidence of the recent floods in Venice with temporary walkways still erected throughout. High tide was evident with the sea water coming up through the storm water man covers.

We lunched at Hard Rock Cafe and bought a t-shirt momento each. We rocked away to Elvis and Blue Suede Shoes whilst eating. Hard Rock Cafes ROCK! Oh and the food was pretty darn good too.

The most awaited event of Venice was a gondola ride at 80 euro for around 40 minutes all throughout the canals.

Dave and I stole a magic moment on board ;)

It really was amazing how the canals wove in amongst the 117 islands. We got to see some famous homes such as this one that used to belong to Marco Polo, the great Italian explorer.

We walked to Rialto to catch the water taxi back but they were on a 3 hour strike so we legged it back, bus ride to hotel, pick up car and drove 1 hr 45 mins to Residence Ca' Del Lago at Torri del Benaco where we'll stay for two nights. Tomorrow we're off to Gardaland Park.

Beautiful photos here.

And we've come from Rome where it was warm at 18 degrees to here where it's bloody fffffreeezing again without the snow at 8 degrees. The cold has set in from here on in till Vietnam in January :(

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STARK BOYS

It was a late start to the day with a thunder storm and rain early this morning making the rooms extra dark and allowing up to sleep in a little later than usual. Then it was opening of presents and receiving phone calls before breaky just across the road at OK Bar, which is included in the cost of our room.















Dave and I set off on foot for the Informazioni Turistiche and McDonald's which was Jayden's choice for his birthday lunch. We got a little lost but managed to find English speaking Italians to direct us. All day we've been forgetting we're in Italia and still speaking French. We just laugh and say, "We think we're still in France." This gives the locals a laugh also.

We had a birthday surprise for Jayden taking him to the Lindt Maitre Chocolatier and we were all like "kids in a candy (chocolate) shop" each carefully choosing our chocolates and filling our bags :)

McDonald's then gelato later on before retiring the kids to the apartment and computer/ds/dvd's whilst Dave and I shopped at the mercati (markets) which were on today.

Our apartment is just up from the Piazza del Duomo where the Cathedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore and Giotto's Bell Tower is located. It's just amazing to think that humans actually built these masterpieces with all their intricate details.

Dave's back on the beer. A Duff birthday beer.

More photos here.

Just about to go for dinner, Dave's choice so will be back later to post dinner pics.

Ciao!