Venice here we come!
After heading into Bologna for some last minute essential purchases — sun-dried tomatoes, parmigiano, porcini and fresh figs (yummy) — we set off for Venice.
Arrived at the campsite at about 2:30pm (it took a bit of finding); we settled down, visited the supermarket and then chilled out in the sunshine.
Had a bit of a lie-in before catching the campsite’s private bus at 12:30pm. Arrived in Venice at 1pm and wandered around the bus station for a while a bit unsure as to where we were supposed to go. Found a busy main street and followed it; bought a map of the city.
Venice is pretty, with lovely views but we got a bit swept along the tourist trail without really knowing any better. There were lots and lots of shops and street sellers selling beautiful venetian masks and glass objects (vases, jewellery, sweet dishes). This was all wonderful to begin with but after about 2 miles it began to wear a bit!
We had unwittingly taken a long route to the main attractions such as the Basilica but we got off the beaten track a bit and enjoyed seeing the canals and bridges. When we arrived at the main square — Piazza San Marco — it started to rain (only the second time in 2 weeks so we didn’t complain too much) and everyone headed for shelter. The area was completely jammed with people and the queue to get into the Basilica was large so we headed for the Bridge of Sighs. Was still raining so we didn’t linger too long.
By now we were quite tired from all the walking so we walked back to the Rialto (large bridge) and grabbed some pizza: huge yummy slices. We bought a few pressies (you’ll have to wait until Christmas!!) and headed back for the bus. We felt a bit disappointed and worn out by the crowds and endless shops so we decided to return early the next day and visit a couple of the sights we wanted to see.