Romancing the stone

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UK & Europe, May 1993

Left Florence and headed for Venice. Venice gives off an air of elegance, yet there is much ruin and decay when you look closely. We went to a glass blowing factory and saw the most amazing creations of glass ware. True craftsmanship.

I have always had a romantic notion of Venice in my mind. A romantic gondola trip through the canals with my husband by my side, whispering endearing words of love in my ear.......That notion was quickly squashed with no hope of romance from my better half! He was too busy looking through the lens of our video camera all the time. But we did get to glide through the canals on a gondola and I enjoyed every minute of it. I could get used to this mode of transport! One could get lost with so many canals and bridges if you don't have a good sense of direction.



Then on to Verona for a couple of hours, to the home of a few fictional characters. This was where Shakespeare drew his inspiration and based the writing of three plays:

Romeo & Juliet

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

The Taming of the Shrew



Naturally we had to visit a well known landmark, Juliet's house and the infamous balcony where she cried her woeful pleas. In a blink that part of our trip was over as well and it was time to head to Austria.

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Photos

Venice
Who says there are no boats in Venice?

Venice
One of the canals and smaller islands of Venice

Venice
Quaint and colourful boat

Venice
So typical of Venice

Venice
Gliding gondolas

Venice
Paul and I at the back with two companions on tour with us

Venice
Gondolier and his gondola

Venice
Grand canal

Verona
Someone prefers Juliet!