We crossed over into Italy without so much as a bat of an eyelid – clearly an open door policy here. The biggest disappointment was felt by the girls who are keen for as many customs stamps as possible! The drive from the border around to Venice was quick and easy. Our hotel looked a lot closer to Venice on the map – but we negotiated the tram easily and found ourselves wandering the canals of Venice in no time. It was dark by the time we arrived and the canals were so still and calm – it felt like the city was asleep. It was cold and dark and we very quickly managed to get very lost – finding ourselves in narrow dead end walkways – like trying to find our way out of maze. Fun. We eventually made it back onto the main walkways and found a cute pizzeria – our first Italian meal. No one was disappointed!! We made the long trek back to the hotel with much excitement about returning in the daylight tomorrow.
By the time we arrived back in Venice the next day the tide was already well in – today we would learn first hand about the high tides of Venice, although at the time we didn’t know the tides were a usual occurrence. We assumed the high water was associated with the major flood of last month. During the high tides in Venice the lowest parts of the city flood – mostly around St Peter’s Square. As we walked water bubbled up from the drains in the streets – creating puddles or sometimes blocking entire streets. The path through to St Peter’s was clear – with the help of some raised walkways – but WOW when we arrive in the square – it almost looked like a lake. Only two small sections were not covered. And the water was rising! The rising water meant that the square was only passable via a raised walkway – making it feel busy and very very crowded. Our time in the square was limited and we moved on in the direction of the Rialto bridge – hoping to be able to make it there. We picked up some gelato on the way – YUM! The Rialto bridge did not disappoint, how could it.
At the Rialto we thought about taking the vaparetto out, but we decided to journey on and see if we could make it out on foot (and dry!). Not to be. We soon rounded a corner and found ourselves blocked in by water. We noticed a few locals ducking into a small supermarket and emerging with rolls of garbage bags – so when in Rome (or Venice as the case may be). The girls were quick to jump into their garbage bags and wade through water. I suspect this may be a highlight for them.
We arrived back at the tram terminal feeling a little like we hadn’t seen enough of Venice – or we had but in a very quick, rushed fashion. So we negotiated with a private taxi for a tour of Venice on the water – WOW. The pictures tell that story.
We left Venice as the sunset, stunning.
Next stop Rome! If we thought the surprise of the high tide in Venice was the highlight, we were about to be surprised again. After a long day in the car – only stopping in Montelpuciano for a wander and lunch – we pulled up outside our apartment (thanks again GPS!!). I parked the car and was looking around for someone who looked like they might be – in the side mirror I noticed a figure walking toward the car. Casually I thought she looked like my sister Catherine – within a split second I realised it was her – I think I scared everyone else in the car with my shouting! Now that’s a surprise! We settled into our apartment and began thinking about our four nights here – now with an extra member to explore with. To say the girls were happy is an understatement. The days were long and filled with wonderful sites, beautiful weather and exceptional company. We even managed to run into my cousin and his family briefly at the Roman Forum – a family reunion!
During our time in Rome we visited The Colluseum, The Roman Forum, climbed St Peter’s Dome, explored the Vatican, the Vatican Museum, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Pantheon, via Condotti, Piazza del Popolo and more.
I think the girls really appreciated the long history and exceptional vision of the ancient Romans.
