Water place to visit

A world away from Milan in many ways, Venice has been an extravaganza! There's been so much to do that only now are we content with just sitting instead of closely studying canals, museums, churches and impressive Venetian Squares.

Yesterday started (after an attempted conversation with il signora on reception; i think she slightly resembled Natalie Portman in Star Wars) with croissants for breakfast, and then a walk to the railway where we hopped on a boat bus snaking us down the Grand Canal. The traffic and mayhem (which isn't overly distracting; at times it's very calm) simply doesn't detract from the awe inspiring nature of it all. As Tommy will attest to, the draw of the place is incredible, and the Grand Canal was for us the highlight. It is very arguable that with increasing globalisation and this fast paced, commercial world, Venice is becoming one of the few truly unique cities left on the planet.

After that little splutter of pessimism, more on our day of exploration! After the boat trip we disembarked at the district known as Arsenale at the east of the city. Mark had been keen to see what the city had to offer in ways of historical battlements and weaponry. Instead, we found the starts of Venice's biennial international art exhibition, some of the photos of which I hope I've uploaded. We didn't see much as we were headed for San Marco's square but it was at the very least thought provoking.

San Marcos square was very good looking but maybe it's reputation had got to us. It is bordered mainly by high end fashion shops, café/restaurants and gelataria's, and the cathedral at the end was rather stunning, but with endorsements from the likes of Napoleons, I think we expected more.

Free that it was a leisurely stroll back to the hostel (no signora by this time) we had some drinks, a small chill-ax and then out again to assess the available ristorantes! This time we found a beauty, brilliant place and we may even grace it with our presence later. More wine and games after that and then a steady sleep.

Today we checked out, another fleeting chat with seniorita, breakfast from the shop and then off to follow our hearts and dreams; hiring a boat. As tommy explains "after a lengthy ramble around many alleys, we decided they were more likely to be found near water." But it now seems like its not possible. So in the end, we settled for any kind of water activity; but that doesn't seem possible either. Not even in the lagoon.

To tie up the rest of our afternoon, we abandoned our search, took a marginally perilous 50c gondola ride across the Grand Canal and, after more aimless strolling, are now sat playing cards drinking on a crossroads of 2/3 alleys. Our only choice of train to he Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is at 9:something this evening, so we're preparing for a rough journey.

Tell you more soon.

J

Location:Venice