Feeling very refreshed after a
good night’s sleep – free of noise from nearby rooms and other guests, we
headed down for breakfast at 7.15am and met up with our friends for a lovely
breakfast then ready for departure at 8.15am. The coach took us from the hotel
to a drop off point as they are unable to go any further into the city of
Florence. From here our group walked
through the small streets – making sure we stepped on no poop along ‘Street of Despair’. Aptly named as the owners of the dogs walking along here never
collect their dog’s poop, it is just left behind for you to navigate around!
We met our next local guide
‘Lucia’ at the Piazza Di Croce. This was to become our meeting point for the
time we were in Florence.
As we followed Lucia we discovered landmarks of this
amazing city such as Palace Vecchio, Piazza Della Signora with the Loggia del
Lanzi and the breathtaking Piazza del Duomo! Photos do not capture the beauty
of this building, the history behind the completion of the dome – simply
inspiring.
Again as all other cities we have visited, the beggars wander around
ever hopeful of money, street stalls with wonderful paintings, caricatures and
pictures for sale, and locals making their way around the city on Vespa’s, push
bikes along with their pets in tow all make up the spirit of these cities.
An hour and a half later, we were
back at our meeting point where we farewelled Lucia and hello again to Patricia.
Our next stop was Peruzzi which was a huge shop in which one could be beautiful
leather and gold. A quick demonstration of how they emboss the leather goods
with 18carat gold leaf by a fellow who had been working in the trade since he
was 14. Obviously he made it look so very easy; however I’m not sure I’d be able
to do it! The usual group discount applied to us on any purchase we made as
well as free embossing of initials in 18carat gold leaf on goods such as belts,
bags wallets etc, or free altering of leather garments if needed. We were able
to enjoy free time to shop or grab a bite to eat until 12.30. Most people did
take advantage of this shopping time as there were not too many people
returning without shopping bags in hand.
Once we had all assembled, we
walked back to the coach where we started our journey north across the River Po
into the plains of Venetia. After a couple of hours – during quite a few people
had a short nap – we had another 30minute break to stretch the legs, coffee,
refuel and quick toilet visit. After some research, Michael found the equivalent
to our twisties in Europe is called Fonzies, and we found them for sale at this
roadside stop. We had to investigate if they were any good, but alas, they were
reasonably tasteless.
Our hotel in hotel in the Venice
area the All Seasons and vastly different from any other hotel we have stayed
at. Michael’s description of it – it's like a Ikea’s Children’s
Hospital – bright colours on a white backdrop everywhere and when you go to bed
at night you will be wrapped in cellophane!!! Had to see this to believe it;
however we have photos dedicated to it!
An hour and a half to freshen up before
we needed to be in the lobby ready to head out for our Venetian Night out and
dinner.
Our coach took us to the boat
terminal – as Venice, being made up of 117 islands has no cars or motorbikes on
it so to get there we go by motorboat along the impressive Giudecca Canal. On
arrival, we walked through narrow streets filed with atmosphere of those
enjoying the wonderment of an evening in Venice. Dinner was in a Venetian
restaurant – a four course meal and coffee accompanied by lots of chatter and
laughter. This was followed this by a leisurely walk passing famous buildings,
small bridges and inner canals and finished at St Mark’s Square. What an
amazing place, full of people standing, sitting and dancing all enjoying the
music, food, drink, lights etc! Three of the oldest cafes are here and you are
serenaded by musicians at each one, who each take it in turn to play. These
cafes are extremely expensive. Cappuccino from our afternoon stop today was €1.40
and here at St Mark’s square it was €16.00. Unable to bring ourselves to
spend the money, even if we only here once in a lifetime! The atmosphere of
Venice by Night was truly wonderful, a memory I will cherish!
Our evening finished at 10pm as
we boarded our motorboat to head back to the mainland and to our Hotel for a
much earned rest. I actually woke up this afternoon from snoozing on the coach
with a sore throat, and it would appear that it was going to become a full tilt
cold.
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