Life + Times of Fenton et al.: Summer Holiday 2005, Part III

10 August
Daytrip to Venezia (Venice). I was very excited to be visiting Venice. We drove to a parking lot on the mainland (less expensive than the few on the islands) and caught a bus over the bridge. From here we caught a water bus (vaporetto) close to San Marco -- the main square in Venice which you've all seen pictures of in books or on postcards. We alighted from the vaporetto a stop too soon. Half the stops were 'San' something and when in unfamiliar territory all look the same. This gave us the opportunity to wander through a couple of quieter campos (like a common courtyard or a small square), cross the Grand Canal and see a couple of gondeliers at work. (Joshua seemed convinced we would be lost in Venice forever). Eventually making it to the main square, it looked just like the postcards but with more people and pigeons.

We queued to see inside the Basilica San Marco (Basilica of St. Mark) which was very beautiful though we generally agreed a little overdone. Mosaics every where with lots of gold. In the basilica we viewed the Pala d'Oro (translates as 'golden altar screen') which is decorated with icons and 2000 uncut, but polished, gems. I also saw the Treasury, containing a number of relics, which I found rather bizarre and grizzly despite their gold cases. Both the screen and the items from the Treasury were looted from Constantinopole in 1264, Fourth Crusade.

Another vaporetto ride to the island of Murano to watch a glass blower in action, browse the shops and make a small purchase. On the way back to San Marco the low-sitting vaporetto was hit by a wave completely drenching Ariana who loved every minute of it. From thence we caught another vaporetto down the Grand Canal and then to the Campo San Sebastian -- to find the setting for one of my favourite novels 'Miss Garnet's Angel'. We found the church and the statue featured in the novel and took a number of photos (to the amusement of some locals as this church is not on the normal tourist itinerary).

So our general impressions of Venice are that it is very beautiful but in parts quite showy and touristy. At that time of the year also very full of tourists. I am still amazed at how American accents carry. Also, we don't recommend bringing a stroller. Plenty of foot bridges with stairs and no ramps.

Unfotunately Fenton became sick late in the day (coming down with Joshua's bug), but still managed to get us back to the camp ground.

11 August
Fenton remains sick as a dog (or at least a very ill one).

12 August
We packed up camp in the morning and travelled on to Firenze (Florence). We had booked a room in a hotel since we were only planning to stay one night. The Hotel Dalí is right in the centre of the city and navigating the inner streets were very difficult -- even with a GPS system (it had the direction of some of the one-way streets incorrect). Parking was hell but the hotel was very convenient being in walking distance of everything we wanted to see.

There was a museum dedicated to working models of Leonardo's designs. This was very popular with the children and Elijah managed to injure himself. The Duomo (cathedral) was less showy than the basilica in Venice and in my opinion, more tasteful.

While strolling the streets I ducked into menswear shop to buy Fenton a 6€ tie. We ended up with an Italian-designer wool suit, a shirt and two ties -- they gave us a great sell including a 'large family' discount! Fenton looks great in a well cut suit that fits. Finally we queued for Del Academia which is a famous gallery with the main attraction being Michelangelo's 'David'. It also contains many Catholic-themed paintings. 'David' was magnificent, of course.

Overall Florence was more to our taste, we think, than Venice. Fenton thinks it is because it is a comparison of academia to business (and which one does he prefer hmmm?). You'll have to come and see it for yourselves.

Originally our plan had been to continue on to Rome but as were all tired we decided to spend a little longer in Florence before returning home. We'll Catch It Next Time™.