Venice in glorious weather

We are staying in a lovely area not far from the Rialto Bridge - not on a canal this time but still in a very central district. Our bathroom is about the size of the motorhome so we are enjoying a sense of space at the moment. We took the vaporetto (what else) to the colourful island of Borano today - families used to paint their homes in bright colours to designate where their family’s quarters ended and a neighbor’s began, as well as to make their homes more visible from the sea. The tradition has stuck - today Burano is a rainbow of fun, bright colours. It is also known for its fabulous hand made lace. We spent a lovely morning here - a truly lovely island. Took the slow route back through the lagoon to St Mark's - late afternoon and it was packed. Will have to go back early in the morning before all the tourists. It is now 7.30 and we are heading off for spaghetti and seafood - another of Stefania's recommendations.Another wonderful day in Venice!

Our front door

Ann



Stuttgart to Venice.........July 3

An early start this morning to return the motorhome and then a taxi to Stuttgart airport for our midday flight to Venice. I enjoyed our time in the motorhome, although at times my job as  navigator became quite stressful. We travelled 5292k in our 37 days - sounds a lot of driving but we really took our time.

It was lovely flying into Venice, last time we arrived by train. We had a short walk from the vaporetto stop to our B&B and were met by Stefania, the owner - she was wonderful and we talked to her for the next hour on places to go, to eat and so much more. Her husband Luca owns a restaurant so we will be visiting there in the next day or so. Stefania recommended a local pizzeria for dinner tonight - and she was spot on - the pizza was delicious. Off exploring Venice tomorrow - enjoyed it so much here last time we can't wait to see more.

Ann

Lake Aileswasensee.... July 1-2

4 countries in a morning - passed through Switzerland, Leichtenstein, Austria and finally back into Germany in only a matter of hours. We stayed in a lovely area near a very popular lake a short drive south of Stuttgart for us to return the motorhome early Wednesday morning.


Ann



3 days on beautiful Lake Maggiore.......June 28-30

Up bright and early - a gorgeous day. We were just metres from the ferry ticket office - took the ferry to Locarno (in Switzerland) - 3 hours in all after stopping at all ports on the lake -  then the train passing gorges, brooks, vineyards, chestnut woods and villages clinging to the mountain slopes - trip lasted just on 2 hours and the scenery was lovely. Once in Domossola, back in Italy, took the express train back to Belgirate. A day of beautiful mountain scenery. On the train trip back we were speaking to some Aussies who told us of the demise of the Gillard Government - we had no idea.

Next day we spent on the Lake exploring the towns of Verbano, Baveno and of course the Jewel of the Lake - Stresa - plus the 3 islands - Isola Bella, Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori. Had a very tasty lunch right on the lake at Pescatori - another wonderful day.

Sorry to be leaving this morning but the good thing is we drove for 2 hours the entire length of the lake which was great as we had seen it from the water before and now from another aspect. We continued north into Switzerland and into the mountains and the scenery was nothing short of stunning - we have been so fortunate with the weather - it has been fine when it most mattered. Staying in a little village in Switzerland just south of the Austrian border in a valley surrounded by snow capped mountains - who could ask for more.

Ann

Pompeii to the coast.......June 23-27

Left Pompeii yesterday afternoon and started heading east towards the coast in the hope of some swimming in this hot weather. 2 things surpised us on the way - the scenery took us  through Campania, Abruzzo and finally Marche - quite stunning - ocean on one side of the motorway - farms and vineyards on the other with many more hilltop towns. The second suprise - the beaches were not worth the drive - we are so spoilt at home - we definitely take our kilometres of white sandy beaches for granted. We are just finishing a 3 night say in a park right on the beach just south of Revenna - the beach is okay but the park itself is quite lovely and has a pool. The weather has cooled down somewhat and yesterday was cool and overcast -  21 degrees - not ideal for swimming. The sun is out again today and Gary had a final swim before we headed off on a 4hr drive to Stresa on Lake Maggiore. Drove straight into a bad hail storm just outside of Milan and this combined with peak hour traffic slowed us down and it took 6 hrs before we finally reached Lake Maggiore. Staying right on the lake tonight in Belgirate a few ks south of Stresa. I am looking forward to seeing Lake Maggiore - taking the ferries and the Centrovalli Express train up into Switzerland and back -  saw Lakes Garda and Como last time and am expecting more of the same - it should be wonderful. Will be George spotting again as Como is not far away.

Ann