Venice

Monday 16th, we left Charleroi Airport (Begium) at 6am. Our excitement grew when we flew over the Alpes - what a magnificant view! One just marvels at the Lord's creation and imagination! Arrived at Treviso Airport , Italy at around 8am. We bought our return bus tickets to Venice as well as our bus-boat tickets.


We arrived in Venice and took the bus-boat to San Marco, where we found our way to our hotel. Having checked in at 10h30 am (16th), we had the whole day to start exploring. We were provided with a map, showing our hotel's position and all the major attractions that they suggested we try and see. With that we set off...

For those who have never been to Venice, it is devided into 6 ancient districts: Cannaregio, Santa Croce, San Polo, Dorsoduro, San Marco and Castello. These make up central Venice. There are 2 other islands, Burano and Murano. On central Venice, the alley ways are the side access ways for deliveries to the hotels and houses. There are numerous small bridges connecting all the blocks. So one can begina t one point and if you are fit enough you can walk to right around the whole of central Venice.

Canal Grande runs through central Venice and is the main 'highway'.
With us, Tannie Annetjie and Doc (taking the picture), Karen and Charl.
This is the Rialto bridge, the major bridge that connects the districts over the canal grande. It is also the market area, where fresh fruits and vegetables are sold every morning. Just over the bridge on the left are all small shops with curios, masks, glass ornaments etc at very reasonable prices (one must just shop around).

Look out from Rialto bridge.
Let me just say that we had beautiful weather the full 3 days we were there, however, the temperature was between -2 and 0 degrees (with real feel of around -4), so whenever it got just a bit too chilly walking around, we would pop into a coffee shop for a cuppa or hot chocolate (which is melted chocolate!).

Considering Venice is an old city, one can appreciate the beauty of the old buildings and architecture that distinguishes the different eras that it has been influenced by.

The famous Gondals, are very expensive (80 euros), so we took a 50 cent one way crossing over the canal grande!



17th, our hotel arranged a water taxi to the Island of Murano. This island is where the glass factories are. It was great fun, cold but at least we had indoor seating as well.

When we arrived at the factory, they were busy making a vase. We were shown the process from start to finish. Truely amazing and talented. This pic shows the almost finished product...which would be sold for quite a price too.

Who are these 2 senorita's?
There was a distinct difference to the buildings on Murano, mostly 2 storey buildings/houses.

Back to school????
We took the bus-boat out to Burano . A small beautiful island , the oldest of the Venician Islands. This is where lace is hand-made. Unfortuately there were no factories to see how they actually make it, but the small little shops were full of all the varieties of lace one can think of.


The sun set very evening around 16h30, and what beautiful sunsets we experienced every night. Truely romantic.

Our last day was spent at the Bassilica and Lido. Pictures do not justice to the height of the tower.


The famous Bridge of Sighs, a replica of which is found in Oxford, England. This is where the court house is on the left and the prison is n the right. Both are now part of the museum. 'last walk of freedom' so to speak.

Lido is also one of the Venician islands, where one can actually get to a sandy beach. Enjoying the sunshine and slightly warmer temperature of 2 degrees (real free probably 0 or -1).


Tannie Annetjie actually took off her tekkies (trainers) and socks, rolled up her trousers and put her feet in the sea. (typical Transvaaler!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)