Venezia

We're in an apartment in Venezia for 4 weeks -using it as a base and heading off to a few places that we haven't been.  We will probably go to Trieste or Udine this week because if we leave it too long we won't go.  Venezia is such a relaxing place that it is easy to settle in and do nothing.

Our apartment is in Dorsoduro, we are staying in the same place as last year as it is huge by Venice standards and very comfortable. It is also in the middle of everything. It is a good time of the year to be in Dorsoduro as it is graduation time for students and there are usually lots of parties and singing in the streets.

We have been to quite a few of our favourite places and had a few great meals. My favourite clothes shop has closed and so have a few other places which is sad.

Rob is running the Venice Marathon for the fourth time. Yesterday we tried to go to the marathon expo to pick up his marathon pack but couldn't because there was a transport strike. We knew about the strike but foolishly thought that we would be able to catch a taxi. There was a total traffic jam on the Ponte della Libertà and no one was going anywhere.

We went to the expo today, picked up the kit and bought a few things from the Venice Marathon shop -Rob has been there so many times that a few ladies there recognized him and one remembered that he was from Australia.

We're taking it quietly today, visiting family in Mestre and Rob is taking it easy.  We have been walking heaps since we arrived on Wednesday and it will be good for him to have a quiet day so that he is rested for the marathon tomorrow - 42km is too far for me to even think about.

There was a graffiti wall of signatures of participants, Rob added his

Venezia, Venezia

We arrived in Venezia yesterday and all of us are happy to be here.  Our apartment is great, very comfortable and immaculate -a huge improvement on the apartment in Piazza Tuscolo in Rome which was grimy and needed a good clean.

Rob's cousins Rosaria and Livio met us at the station.  They are really lovely people and it was great to see them again and for Sarah & Paul to meet them.