Ciao ItalIa

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Ciao Italia
For the last two weeks we have thoroughly enjoyed the warmth, the chaos, the sights, the food and the wine of Italy. Three days in Rome, three days in Venice, two days in Florence and one day and night each in Pisa, Verona and San Remo, has only whetted our appetites for more. Venice is an awesome city and it's nice to be able to wander on foot without the hazards of cars, bites and scooters. The problem with Venice is that you can't help but get lost in its labyrinth of streets, alleyways, bridges and canals. At least you know that when you hit a larger expanse of water that you have reached the other side of that particular area! After hearing nothing but Italian, Dutch and German for the last few weeks, it seemed strange to sit at the bar at the campground in Venice and be surrounded by Aussies on their Contiki tour but nice to hear English for a change. But there are only so many days and many more countries to see and explore so today we left and travelled through the mountains to Innsbruck in Austria. After visiting Verona, seeing Juliet's balcony and the Roman arena, we stayed last night just out of Verona, in Bardolino, a resort town on Lago di Garda. Another great camping ground but no Internet so no chance to live stream the Junior Warriors game, however Paula gave me regular updates.We have arrived at Natters, which incidentally is next to Mutters, (you gotta wonder about the origins of these particular place names) about 6 kms from Innsbruck. This camping ground has the most amazing facilities and spectacular views. In the mens toilet block you can purchase condoms and 'travel pussy's ' from a vending machine! Seems all needs can be taken care of here in Austria although I am a tad disappointed that there were no vending machines catering for the women in the ladies block. The weather is still being very kind to us with sunny days although now we are further north again, it is a little cooler. It's a good chance to recycle the clothes again...get all the summer ones clean that we've been wearing for the last three weeks and back into the clean jeans and longer sleeves. I hope all my teaching colleagues are having a well earned rest. Easter next weekend. Yikes! Time is passing quickly! Love to all. Dean and Shelley

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Photos

Rome
A Bridge over the Tiber. I do seem to stand on a lot of bridges!

Florence
Just up the road from the Camping ground. Amazing!

Florence
The view of the Duomo

Venice
On the ferry from the camping ground to Venice

Gondola's, Venice
The sexiest Gondolier I know!

Comments

[Charlie]

Dolomites
Hi guys,im envious of you again, we had a week at lake Garda na few years ago but only had 1 day in Venis,but the views going up through the Dolomites will take some beating.While you are in Austria try to visit Viena I know its a long drive from Innsbruck but a fab place.and much to see. take care. Charlie

[Gaylene]

Probably not so easy to auction off the 'travel pussy' hahahah OMG what the....

[Raewyn]

Venic
Venice sounds amazing and interesting to see in your first paragraph that you can safely walk around without being bitten!! or should that read bikes lol. The junior warriors played really well especially in the second half but I couldnt pick out if steven was playing or not. Enjoyed the game though and had nice meal at Noeline's so good evening all round. Didn't stay to see the Warriors and haven't checked their score yet. Brilliant photos on facebook this morning and the view in Austria is amazing. All the rellies in canada say it's being snowing again so lucky you aren't headed there yet eh. Still having lovely weather here although yesterday was first bad weather day. Gorgeous again today. Ten weeks to my big trip and no savings in the pot yet. Ah well, all things will happen somehow lol. Take care and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy. xxxxx