Cam's in Europe: June 2014

We leave Venice today (Saturday 28th) for a week aboard the MSC Preziosa - A cruise which will take us down the Italian west coast, around through the Greek Islands and across into Turkey, down through the Dardanelles (famous in the Gallipoli Battle) to Istanbul, and then returning via Croatia - Dubrovnik. Hopefully a relaxing adventure awaits - without wifi!

This week saw us leave the Barnett's in Prague and fly south to Milan, Italy (on route we got a great view of the Swiss Alps covered in snow).

We had just a night in Milan where with a new hire car - we navigated our way from the hotel (just on the outskirts of town) to the centre of the city. No issues again with parking and still unable to score a parking ticket - which is now becoming a game I'm winning easily.

A large city which gave us our first introduction to Italy. Again contrary to many stories, we've had great pizza, great pasta and met wonderfully friendly and helpful people.

Another great Church.

Milan is another city where lots of walking could be done and even more shopping, so we went easy on both. With warm and balmy weather, we ate out in the piazzas admired the beautiful shops and building's and people watched. The Italians have a confidence in dressing and pulling off styles and colours that most wouldn't dare - my pink T-shirt was fitting in great.

There's something about Italian ties -
especially while shopping in Italy.

We spent most of the second day around the town area, found a great patisserie, before leaving for Verona.

Jamie - I'm bringing home some super ideas for the shop!

It just keeps up the intensity each time we seem to move on. And while I know I'm constantly using the same adjectives Verona is just beautiful.

We were staying at what is called a agri tourismo property - in short agricultural tourism on a farm or similar. This was a small, approx 12 room property which had its own vineyards, olive orchards and a small gathering of animals. A bottle of wine on arrival with Cheese and Salami was the perfect way to take in the amazing view back down to the town.

3 nights gave us the perfect chance to explore this beautiful town. We also enjoyed a catch up with a fellow relief teacher from Ivanhoe PS, Anne Faithful and her husband Darryl. Again great to meet lovely people with a connection to home. We enjoyed wine at a lovely Tapas bar, before moving on to dinner where I tried and honestly enjoyed Donkey pasta (as did Anne for those needing to know).

Another great bridge leading into town.

An original coliseum now used for open air opera and theatre.

We also enjoyed a magnificent dinner at the property we stayed which had a restaurant serving local food from the farm (including rabbit, duck and chicken). Another perfectly wholesome home style cooked meal with more great wine (all from the properties winery) to wash it down.

Verona is a, so said to be place where Shakespeare wrote Romeo and Juliet, and this was the balcony and a a statue made a s tribute - "why so Romeo"

A small amount of shopping on last day and I had my second hair cut of the trip at the local barber- no English spoken so I was quite pleased with the final result.

The Barbers.

Breakfast was a casual and easy start to each day with
the view of Verona thrown in.

From Verona it was a comfortable one and quarter hour drive that allowed me to use the roads and speeds the Italians are famous for (although I think Germany still wins) to arrive at Venice. We were able to literally drive right on to the island of Venice to drop off the car and then with a short walk we were on the ferry and heading to our stop.

I'll be honest and say some preparation is required to negate the streets of Venice, especially with 4 suits cases, but we managed and a short walk and 3 bridges we arrived at our lovely hotel - Palazzo Vitturi. Right on one of the many squares here. Our balcony doors open up to the life, colour and happy noises of all things Venice.

That's Claire and Olivia up on the balcony.

Another satisfying pizza for a shared lunch and we wandered the beautiful streets. Much cleaner and more inviting than expected, and while there are lots of tourists, it's just part of the deal. Staying on the island also means the evenings are much more peaceful as the day trippers and organised tours all leave.

Hey we're on a bridge.

We are also lucky that our hotel is partly of the main track, and it was great to watch kids on their way home from school, Mamma shopping at the open fruit and vege shop for the evening meal, and the two old mates arguing at the coffee shop on who'll win the world cup now Italy (and Australia) are out. There's still "community" here amongst all else that drives the tourist economy.

Our first nights dinner was at a brilliant little restaurant which exceeded all expectations and gave us one of the top meals so far. Good authentic cuisine, great service, lots of wines by the glass at just €3 ea and a Gin bar I've never seen anywhere.

Yesterday we walked and watched - here you look up, down, across and also listen, as the Gondola drivers serenade both would be and paying customers, buskers and performers sing in the squares, and the church bells remind you your definitely not at home.

In the evening we did a organised (booked) walking tour which gave us great and in depth in site into this amazing city and also the famous gondola ride.