Sunday, March 17, 2013

Venetian trip

Well today is Saturday. We have had a leisurely morning sleep in brekkie then across the square for a coffee beautiful cafe latte all of 1 euro 50 which is about $2. We have been adding a quarter for ease of conversion. Then don to the small supermacato for a few stores cold meats, Prosecco then wander home making a booking at local restaurant for dinner. Then a very short drive to the apple juice supplier who also makes a good red wine. Keith now has his own Demi John which he has refilled from the wine bowser!!!! Now the regular arvo rest before I go to the hairdresser at 1800 for a wash and low dry which will cost me 13 euro ie less than $20!!!!
We returned from Venice by fast train yesterday. Part fast train and other with our own 6 berth cabin. Such a civilised way to travel. First class of course on the fast which we got a drink and snack. The trip cost $200 return per person. The train in Venice gets you right to the grande canal so it is pretty amazing when you get out of the train station. We had a very good hotel only minutes from the station at only about $100 per night. Quite a sight to watch the activities in the canals coz everything has to be brought in on the boats. So many little streets and canals. Really quite overwhelming. And so easy to get lost, but no one seems to mind to help with directions. Easy to pick a local ....either with a dog,pulling a shopping trolley like my purple one, or wearing a fur coat. We had 3 nights there and walked and walked. Also went across to Murano Island and Burano Island by ferry. Murano famous for the glassware they make. We bought 6 colourful tumblers which will really brighten up the caravan!!!!! Burano famous for the traditional lace, however all pretty ghastly the stuff I saw.. Looked like it was from china. Ow ever, Keith and Chris bought a lovely no iron linen tale cloth and napkins. We went over by ferry but had a big treat a got a water taxi back to The main square. Long sleek wooden taxi boat. We also went to Lido island which is quite different. Long and skinny and it has cars where's all the other islands don't.it also has the beach on the Adriatic Sea. There were many many rows of small huts that you can rent for the day. Unfortunately no pic for you, but it all looked really hoffible with all these huts and then grey sand. Fantastic lunch again .... We found a fabulous bar right near the hotel that sells chocolate pastries and coffee. Alcohol is sold everywhere in Italy and small standup coffee shops and bars combined. Fantastic . We have discovered a wonderful local Venetian drink. Spritz. It is aperol ( similar to Campari ) with Prosecco , splash of soda, slice of lemon of orange and ice. So refreshing ... Venice is truly amazing in that it is all,on water, but such a difficult way of living with so many steps , so many bridges, and it floods regularly . They put down ramps like catwalks so you avoid the water.
We will have a few days here in Paciano then Reece and i will go to Florence and Milan during the week. Keith's daughter and partner are coming next week from London for a few days, so to will be lovely for them all to have some time together .
Sorry about the spelling on the pics etc.
well nearly time for hair appt. I really need some colour but am a little wary..
What is the news with everybody.....???????????????
Madgie how is the house coming along.....?..photos?..
Has Penelope settled into Uni. How is Stephie?
Rozza.. I went out in sympathy with you while in Venice. Somehow my left knee was buggered but now Ok. How was the rowing. And how is the air con..
Anth.. Ready for words.. Hope all is good and plans for France coming along.
Mama. Hope your poor old foot is nearly right now.
Missing you all, But having a great time. We are very lucky to be here with Keith and Chris.
Tey are renting their apartment with Linda as we are and every night we toast Linda and say god bless Linda .....as the rent is allowing us to have a great holiday.
Jo.. Third to Skype today but I think I was to late . Perhaps tomorrow.

Love to everyone

Reece and Pen

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