Advertisement
Published: September 8th 2008
Edit Blog Post
Venice The next day we were off to Venice.
The drive through the Austrian Alps was spectacular. Lots os autobahns and lots of tunnels - longest was around 3.1km. Lots of bridges as well.
The countryside flattened out as we entered Italy but it was still very pretty.
Each day we stop at least three times for a comfort stop. I am still amazed at the need to pay to have a wee. Some of the stops have beautiful clean facilities but others are less than desireable.
As we neared Venice we struck a very large traffic jam coming up to a tollway - it took us 45 minutes to get through. Cars going all ways but no visible aggression.
Upon reaching Venice we transferred to a Gondola for a short ride. I think that the gondolier was not very happy due to our late arrival - it was not a very memorable experience. We walked around Venice for a while - had to pay 1 euro for a wee in a shared toilet - and then a water taxi back to the bus and then onto the hotel.
My initial impression of Venice
was great with such historic and romantic settings. The canals were dirty with lots of rubbish and very quite smelly.
We also had the next full day in Venice with a visit to a glass blowing factory where we bought a beautiful vase wich will be shipped to us at home.
Had lunch on the town square of a small island. What a beautiful setting and great lunch with lovely cold beers.
While sitting in St Marks Square, we were amazed to see a very large cruise ship sail past - a truly wonderful sight.
Rome The next morning we were of to Rome. The drive was drive was quite good with no real problems.
The first thing we did on reaching Rome was to visit the Pantheon - very very old and very impressive. The roof is spectacular and so is the floor.
Also walked to Plaza Nabona - an old athletics track ftom Roman times.
During dinner at a restaraunt next to the Colessum, I bumped into Robert Thomas - an old work colleague from Adelaide - quite a surprise for both of us.
Dinner was huge. Very slow
trip back to the hotel due to traffic restrictions imposed by an athletics race through Rome.
After returning to the hotel, I walked up to St Peters Square which took 15 minutes. I took some lovely photos of St Peters under lights. What a sight! It took me quite some time to get back to the hotel. I took a 'short cut' and ended up getting into unknown territory. I swallowed my pride and hailed a taxi which cost me 8 euros to get back.
Early start the next morning to get to the Vatican Museums. What can I say - such treasures beyond description. A visit to the Sistine Chapel followed - indescribale. I sat in stunned silence and managed to avoid a sore neck looking at Michaelangelo's wonderful ceiling.
Our vatican guide then took us through the crypt below St Peter's to show us the burial sights of many of the popes. What a truly awe inspiring place - such calm and peace.
Next onto St Peters Basicilla - how big is the church. Such a beautiful and calming place despite being filled with visitors.
A tour of the Colessum followed. A great
place but a true ruin.
Had a typical roman dinner - lots of food, singing and red wine.
Florence The next day we had a pleasant drive to Florence. The view from the look out over Florence was lovely. Spent the afternnon walking around, looking in shops and having a few beers.
Dinner was great - more pasta!
Back to the hotel and off to bed.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.234s; Tpl: 0.014s; cc: 6; qc: 43; dbt: 0.0366s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 1;
; mem: 1.1mb