Boungiorno from Venice, Florence & Rome

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Boungiorno from Venice, Florence & Rome

Arrived in Venice after a long journey on the bus, and as we said it had been raining so much that our gondolar ride was postponed until tomorrow (not sure what the day is - who needs a calendar when you are on holiday). Parked cars had water up to their axles in places. We had a late tea together and off to bed for another early start.

Water levels had dropped over nite so we were able to go on the gondolar ride. There were 5 to a gondolar and we cruised down a street in Venice, some gondolars were serenaded with old Italian songs such as Santa Lucia and a guy playing the accordian, it took you back in time, very romantic setting. It was great. Water everywhere of course.

Visited St Marks Square (which was not flooded then) and then Ventian glass blowing was next, Marion just loved this excursion. We all enjoyed it actually. After the show we were allowed in the showrooms where there was all sorts of beautiful ventian glass. All sorts of colours, jewellery, vases, goblets, etc. Marion made a purchase of a couple of goblets. Mmmm very nice. Hannah made a purchase of a dolphin necklace. There were a tremendous amount of tourists around when we came out of the glass blowing. Marion had an attempt on her purse from a pick pocket but he was not succesful (thank goodness). There are people they call gypsys who try to sell tourist goods to the tourists, but this is illegal (they do not have a licence to sell) and you can be fined if you (the tourist) are caught buying from them.

We then were off in a large boat for a 45 min ride to an Island called Burano for lunch and what a lunch. All 6 courses were fish of some sort except for desert of course. We were so full, the Italians certainly know how to feed you. The wine was very nice and easy to drink too, Robert enjoyed two carafes of the rosa on his own. A bit of market shopping after lunch and then back to the mainland where we went on a taxi boat down the Grand Canal and under the Rialto Bridge. A very hot day today, one of the ladies on tour got heat stroke. Drove to Florence. Another GREAT day we have enjoyed.

Sight seeing (walking) tour with a guide to the Accademia to see Micheal Angelo's artwork, and especially the statue of David (Do you know who David was Room LC13????). It is a magnificent sculpture. Our tour guide (Madeline) was so funny, she said David had the cutest butt of all statues. Then we walked and took in the sights such as the cathedral, the baptistery, Giotto's Bell Tower, Signoria Square of Florence Santa Croce Church. Beautiful history and buidings here. Drove to Rome later today. We drove through Rome taking in some of the impressive sights by nite and then took a stroll to the beautiful Piazza Navona with its fountains, trattorias and outside cafes where we had a lovely meal (Pizza). Hannah had her caricatura done in the Square, and later a good nites sleep.

2nd day in Rome we went on a tour with Suzanne to vist The Vatican City, St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the mighty Colosseum. What magnificant places.

We shared a beautiful farewell dinner with the other travellers along with some Opera Singing. Not Hannah's favourite music!!!! Exchanged email addresses and got photos of everyone. Back to the bar after throwing coins and making a wish in the Trevi Fountain. Said our goodbyes to our new friends.

Lazy day today, had a great sleep in this morning, Hannah has earned every minute of it. She has coped really well with the very fast moving tour.

Back to London tomorrow for 7 nites there.

Ciao!!!
The Yelwahs


PS: LC13 the photo of Doge's Palace in Florence, can you please check and see if we have got the name right as we have seen so many Palaces and Churches we are getting a bit confused, thank you.

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Comments

[Carla]

Thanks Barbara for the Gondola pic - also pleased to see you new exactly what to buy my Robert - I just love Corvettes. Keep having fun and see you soon - say Hi to mickey for me cheers Carla