No choice today, we have to go to Trieste to hunt for a Launderette. When we first came Petra saw a small advert on a car park for campers over the other side of the City. We didn't like the look of the site so didn't stay. We popped the address in the TomTom and made notes on how to get there. At 10.30 we hopped on the ferry and we were off.
By the time we arrived at Trieste the sun was in full burn. We had about 2.5 km to walk to get to the laundrette and it was not a pleasant walk at all. It involved walking along the coast road in a large curve mostly in full sight of the sun. We had taken with us in a large grip bag with all the towels and bedding and it was heavy. Luckily we do have a trolley, we got it from the ferry shop for free with a voucher given us at the booking in gate when we last crossed over from Dover to Calais. And, the Eagle Creek bag has a special slot for the handle to slide into. It turned out to be a good investment, I am sure we would have given up without it.
We eventually found the launderette and we did all the washing. As it turned out it was the best launderette we have ever used. It had brand new machines and was clean, modern and even had a large fan, a coffee machine and can drink dispenser for the use of customers the latter being ice cold. I think a lot of Launderette owners could learn a lot from this format. Anyway, an hour and a half later we set off again.
We went back to the centre a different route opting to go up and over the hill rather than around it. It was hard work as the hills were steep and many. Eventually, we arrived at the top and the Cathedral/castle and we stopped for lunch. We had cheese and apple. The cheese was called 'Saiago Allevo Dop' (we think!) and was lovely with the apple, creamy and light. We had a quick look around the Cathedral an impressive building with a glistening fresco above the altar of deep purple and gold.
Going down the hill into the main part of the city was as arduous as going up. The road was made out of uneven cobble stones and the poor trolley was really put through its paces. It stood up to the challenge though and within 20min we were back in centre and sitting in the bar with a well deserved large beer and on the Internet doing the blog.
Amazingly, it was 17.45 before we got back to Bertie and it was just in time to wave off the nice old Italian man and his wife from next door. We shall miss them.
Tuesday 20 August 2013
Spent the day in preparation for Jo and Paul coming tomorrow. One small problem though the weather was really windy and wet and somewhat held us back. One thing we thought we could do was fill Bertie's LPG tanks as both of the 22L tanks were showing empty. We think this is probably more to the gas leak than the usage by us. But, we can't substantiate that.
The last time we were on the Internet we looked up the nearest station that sold LPG and put it in the TomTom. It turned was about 15k away. As the car park was about empty we and the weather showed no sign of improving we decided to take the risk and leave our parking space and head off. We also thought if the spaces were all taken when we came back we would just carry on and find somewhere else to stay.
It may well have only been 15k away but the journey was not that easy and was mostly up hill and navigating very complicated junctions. In the end we did find the garage and a man came and filled us up. It took 32L of gas which when you take into account the bottles hold as a minimum they were indeed nearly on empty.
As luck would have it, we parked Bertie back in the same spot we had when we left 2 hours earlier.
In the evening all the clouds cleared and we had a lovely farewell sunset. And, we also had the clearest sky in the two weeks we have been there. To our amazement, on the horizon where we thought there was flat land, but we saw the Dolomite mountain range. It was marvellousness and a fitting end to the great time we have had at Trieste.
Wednesday 21 August 2013
At last the day has come to leave Trieste and drive the two and a half hours towards Venice and collect Paul and Josie from Marco Polo airport. Their flight was not due in till 17.40 so we had plenty of time to get there. I would like to say we had a lazy relaxed wake up and padded about the place till we were ready to go but, excitement took hold and we were ready to go before 09.00.
We had been recommended so many camp sites in the Venice area that it was difficult to know which one was the best to go with. In the end we opted for the one the nice old Italian man had recommended in Jesolo. It is on the spit of land south of Venice and we were informed that there was a bus that takes us to the the end of the spit and to the Vaporetto that takes you over the water to Venice.
When we arrived we really were not that happy with the site as it was hellishly busy and full of ball bouncing noisy kids and yapping dogs. Not what we were used to at all. So we hummed and arred for a bit and in the end decided to stay on the account that we would only be there for two nights and we are spending most of that time in Venice.
Time went so quickly and we were really getting excited when we had a text from Jo saying that the plane was delayed for one hour. How typical is that?
At our allotted time we set off and found our way to the airport and to our delight we could park Bertie in a car park for only €1.50 for 2hours. What a contrast to Malaga who charged by the minute. We waited in the arrivals hall at the gate wishing we had made a joke sign for their arrival, and eventually we saw them walking towards us. Cleverly, they had both managed to get all their clothing and considerable goodies for us in to grip bags and carried them on the plane.
We had a big hug and kisses session and stood for a while chatting then we made our way back to Bertie and on to the camp site. Whilst the two arrivals sorted and stowed away their gear we made dinner which was only spoilt by the continual barking of the neighbouring campers' Chihuahua which only came in second to the children's interest in us. I think we were the first English people they had met. They kept walking by saying 'hello'. We all went to bed quite tired and relieved.
Thursday 22 August 2013
Our instinct told us this was the wrong campsite for us, and it proved yet another let down when it came for us to get the bus that was supposed to take us to the Vaporetto that takes you across the water to Venice. It turned out the bus we were told to get didn't actually go to where it was supposed to. First it went to a bus station resulting in a change and then on etc. We had no idea where it was going or how long it would take. Bearing in mind the rubbish camp site and the unenviable prospect of staying there another night I decided this was the last straw and we might as well drive to there and find a better campsite en-route.
On the up side, it is van policy to always have Bertie absolutely ready for driving off at a moments notice. It became a habit with Campy and stuck. The theory is we never know when we need to move in a hurry so always be ready. So, we all returned to the camp site and piled into the van and after paying for the one night €20 (rip off) we were on our way.
There are literally hundreds of campsites in this area but we had good lead for a site from the Camperstop book which was only 500m from the Vaporetto terminal it was 38k from where we were. When we arrived at the site we were so lucky to get the last available place. It was a perfect little site with shower blocks that were immaculately kept. It also had wifi and free water etc. The contrast to last nights dump was marked and we left the van very happy knowing it would be there when we returned and intact.
By now it was 10.00 and without delay we made our way to the Vaporetto terminal. The signage for the tickets available took a bit of sorting but in essence you buy a pass that gives you either 12, 24 or 48 hours worth of travel on the water bus system. They produce a map similar to the London Underground which unfortunately was too small for any of us to read. Part of the package we bought (€28 each) gave us the use of the tour boat that travels down the whole length of the grand canal. You can hop on and off the boat at will.
The journey over was really exciting. We had a big double decked ferry with an open deck above a covered seated deck below. It was already meltingly hot so the sea breeze cooling us as we sped along was very welcome indeed. We were surprised at the volume of traffic as the boat weaved its way through the traffic. Clearly, this is a well rehearsed operation and countless thousands of people are conveyed this way every day from all over the shores surrounding Venice.
It seamed strange to see Venice come into view ever larger as we sped along, it all looked so familiar. I suppose throughout ones life we see countless images of Venice so to finally see it for real and from the sea was rather surreal and very exciting indeed. We eventually passed all the super yachts moored up on the outskirts and landed ourselves at 'Marco Polo' not far from Doge's Palace and Piazza San Marco. But, we decided before we started any looking around a coffee was needed. We walked down some side streets and ended up in square, we found a lovely little cafe and sat outside in the shade with our drinks and second breakfast. Josie tried out her Italian on the waiter who wasn't interested and much to her disappointment spoke back to her to her in perfect English.
Back at the Grand Canal we started looking for the correct bus stop for the tour boat. It was called the Vaporetto Dell'Arte. It took longer than we hoped it would to find and we ended up asking directions. Once on it however, it proved to be well worth the extra. We had loads of space on board and good seats. The normal water busses are jammed with people and it is impossible to see anything. Plus on our boat we had the running commentary as we motored along. It was of course basic and when they said left they really meant right but once you got used to that it was ok.
It was amazing riding up the Grand Canal, it was so busy with boats everywhere, what a fantastic experience. It was difficult to know where to look. We loved looking at the beautiful buildings and the tiny gullies in between. It would be such fun to have a small boat and explore all the back streets. We went under the The Accademia Bridge and on to the Rialto Bridge past so many landmark buildings, too many to mention here and eventually we alighted at the railway station....
By now it was defiantly lunch time and we had seen a recommended restaurant in one of the books we have. It was located in the ghetto part of Venice in a shady little suburb. Unusually, there was a small breeze blowing through the street, enough to make the meal a delight. Both Paul and I ordered well earned large beers which arrived in ice chilled glasses. Mine actually had slivers of ice floating in it. The rush of ice cold beer on the back of the throat was just delicious. The rest of the meal was lovely and relaxed we all had something traditionally Italian.
Now, Josie had made it her mission to buy a Venetian mask. It started as soon as we got off the water bus. The Masks are of course the number one must-have souvenir to take away from your time in Venice and they are freely available from which ever direction you look in. They start off at he lower end of €10-20 sold by Asian looking sellers from stalls dotted all over the place to the real McCoy sold by real Venetians in proper shops for upward of €2-300 +++. Fantastically ornate they go from the sublime to the ridiculous. So, as we wondered along Josie carefully eyed up the competition and sussing out the different styles and prices available.
Full and very satisfied from our lunch we wondered along the Jewish quarter which was really quiet and away from the hubble and bubble of the main areas. Quite frankly it was a relief to find a quieter corner. The canals were so beautiful you could easily spend a month exploring them all. All good things come to an end and we found ourselves in the main shopping streets. The shops were typical and quite a few recognisable. We meandered and weaved our way through the streets and over lots of bridges. It was here that Josie made her purchase of a mask bought from a proper shop. It was black and red and had musical notes and bells on it.
Eventually we made our way to the Rialto Bridge which was absolutely heaving with people. Apparently, this is normal what ever time you go there, day or night. To our surprise it was now 17.30 and not surprisingly we were all getting tired. The original plan was to walk all the way back to San Marco and the water bus back to the camp site but we simply ran out of time and energy.
There is so much to see and so much to do and so little time to do it. It would have been lovely to have spent longer in Venice, we have only had a look around today. I am sure we will be back again one day to actually visit some of the attractions but we were very happy with what we had achieved in one day.
We got on a Vaporetto back down the Grand Canal getting off to take a walk round and proper look at the Piazza which is of course amazing.
We all slept very well that evening.
Friday 23 August 2013
After yesterday which really was quite exhausting, I think it was useful that today would be a travel day. We decided we wanted to go to see Lake Garda some 216k mostly on toll motorways.
It was a straight forward journey in clear sunlight. The only observation I would make is the motorways (considering they are toll roads) are not that brilliant. In places the lanes seem a little narrow and with no hard shoulder and crash barriers it can feel a little claustrophobic and requires considerably more concentration. Still we can't really complain about the cost, for the whole length it only cost €11.
We arrived at Desenzano, our destination for a couple of nights at about 13.15 and had our lunch. The view from the site is really lovely, a slightly elevated spot on he southern end of the lake overlooking the water and he mountains to the north. It has showers (cold water only), toilets and washing facilities. And all that for just €5 a night.
We put out the awning, table and chairs and sat chatting and sleeping all afternoon. It was amazing how tired we all were. In the evening we were all set for a BBQ when the weather suddenly changed. The wind really picked up and a sky went very ominous indeed to the north. Amazingly it didn't rain but it was enough to send us scurrying into the van abandoning our el fresco dinner for another day.
The rest of he evening was spent eating, drinking, chatting and playing Rummicub. (Petra won.....again!)
Saturday 24 August 2013
We were under strict instructions not to wake Josie and Paul up this morning, they wanted a lie in. So being dutiful parents we complied to our daughters every wish and stayed in bed. Mind you Jo was up at 07.30 so I don't know what all the fuss was about. Well, I say up, what I meant to say was awake and wanting a cup of tea.
Petra and I got up and put the kettle on and I went to take the cold shower. Now I know a lot of people would be horrified to take a cold shower but I really don't mind them. The secret is to stand out of the shower and wet your hair first. Then shook hand fills of water all over you to prepare your body for the shock and go for it. One thing, you don't use much water with a cold shower.
We left the students to it and walked to the supermarket which was about 600m down the road. It was in fact a rather up market deli that looked like it supplied to the local restaurants. It was really nice to walk around and not that expensive we got a lot fresh food for €20. Mascarpone cheese was the most expensive item at €6.99. On the way out there was whole water melon too big to carry for €0.66 unbelievable.
When we returned we all had breakfast and cleared up. Then Jo and Paul went off for a walk whilst we did our domestics. Bertie got a wipe over on the outside and a Hoover on the in. We had just finished and made lunch when Jo and Paul returned. After lunch we all went to the lakeside pebble beach and enjoyed the sun and swimming. It really is odd to be sitting by a lake that looks like the sea with real waves lapping on the shore whilst mallard ducks and swans swim by.
We were all settled in when a group of American's arrived. They had a big boogie box and one of them plugged in his iPad and we were entertained with their music all afternoon. We really liked it and they were a great bunch of guys and girls who were really having a good time. The T shirt said they were from Boston...
We returned to Bertie at about 17.30 for our splendid dinner. We had just finished and again it started to rain. A mad scramble ensued to put everything away. Still we had a great day, mustn't complain.
Sunday 25 August 2013
As with the night before by the morning the bad weather had cleared and although it started of a bit cloudy the day progressed to a beautiful sunny day. Once breakfasted etc we all set off for the nearest town of Desenzano.
It's a straight forward walk for 2k along the tree lined banks of the lake. As you approach the town it takes on the appearance of a sea side resort which is a little odd but with the weather being so nice it all seems appropriate. Walking past the Pedalos rental and a small marina we turned right and up into the town itself.
Desenzano is a beautiful town. We walked up the hill and through some shops and bars towards the castle at he top. Some of the houses on the way were simple gorgeous, so elegantly rustic. Some painted with flowers and subtle colours. We couldn't go into the castle as it was closed for lunch but we had great views from the top of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Back at the shore Josie and Paul wanted to go on a pedalo. So Petra and I sat on a bench watching whilst they shot off at full pace. The pedalos all had different painted figures on them like action figures. Jo's and Paul's had a large flower on it, lovely. Still they had a great time and the half hour went very quickly.
Back at Bertie, we relaxed for a while watching the weather start to close in again. First comes the wind and the dark then the thunder and lightning and finally the rain. Another dinner indoors.
This one's for Carol we were talking on the phone when this picture was taken
Monday 26 August 2013
The morning started as the night ended with it raining. Quick showers and breakfast and we were off. Today it's Verona which only 50 minutes away, most of which was on the motorway. The motorways are all toll in Italy but quite reasonable compared to other countries we have been in, France for example!
Verona is a vibrant training centre, the second largest city in the Veneto region (after Venice) and one of the most prestigious in northern Italy. It's ancient centre boasts many magnificent Roman ruins, second only to those of Rome itself. One of its main focal points, the massive 1st century Arena, which is still the setting for major events including a large opera festival.
We arrived in Verona at about 10am and parked up in a camper stop car park only 500m from the town centre. We settled in Bertie and headed into the town. To the back of the van ran a fast flowing culvert which really looked ominous. It was brown and swirled and went by at a really fast rate. Walking up towards the bridge I made note that here was only about 8" of gap between the water and the bridge. I guessed that as it was not raining we should be safe. But it was cause for concern and something to keep an eye on.
We walked past a military area and a cake shop. We didn't go into the military area but Paul couldn't resist the cake shop and he and the girls emerged with a slice of pizza and cakes. It is impossible to satisfy Paul's insatiable appetite.
We rounded a corner and Castleveccio came into view. It has been converted into an art gallery and a very good one at that. On display were some large bronze sculptures of heads and torsos. The castle itself was interesting and had an internal moat.
Moving on to the large irregular shaped Piazza Bra we came to the the enormous Roman Arena. Unfortunately for us, the whole area surrounding the Arena was covered in theatrical staging which had been craned out of the Arena. Clearly, they were in the process of a change over and it really looked chaotic. We did not go around the Arena which was a shame as that's two Arenas we have been to and both times we have not been able to get in.
From there we walked the streets making our way to Casa di Giulieta (Juliet's house). The story of Romeo and Juliet is of course well known and it is said that she lived at No 23 Via Cappello. Romeo is said to have climbed to Juliet's balcony. In reality the house is a restored 13 century inn. Crowds of people throng to see the simple facade and the small marble balcony.
I think it's supposed to be a romantic place and there is a tourist shop near by ready to extract hard earned cash for fluffy pink things and pad locks for you to scribe your true love's name on and attach it to the metal railings. You could even get an embroidered apron with your loves name on it and below the words 'Princess of the Kitchen' that really wouldn't go down well in our house.
One of the most beautiful parts of the city is the Piazza Erbe. Named after the city's old herb market. Today's stalls shaded by large white umbrellas, sell everything from roasted suckling pig and cheeses to Venetian masks. Surrounding the square is some of the most amazing buildings I have ever seen. Largely 17th Century but date from the 13th century. You could easily spend a morning in this spot alone. Finally on this square, we came across a street artist which caught our eye. Well, it was two really and was really clever. Look at the picture and see if you can see how it was done?
By now we were ready for lunch and we found a nice shaded restaurant down one of the side streets. Beer and pasta and bread, perfect.
After lunch we carried on our walk over a really impressive bridge called Ponte Scaligero which was part of the old defence system built in 1354 and blown up by the retreating germans. There was so much affection for the bridge they dredged the river after the war and found all the bits and rebuilt it. Walking to the San Zeno Maggiore church was long and hot and it was with relief that we found a shady bench to sit on to recover. Built in 1120-38 to hold the shrine of Verona's patron saint. It is the most Romanesque church in northern Italy. It also has an impressive west facing door with bronze door panels.
A slow walk back through the shops, mostly exclusive designer type brought us back to the Arena and back to Bertie. Great day but very tiring.
Womio womio where for art thou...
Luv all the way to the bank...
Tuesday 27 August
At 03.00 all hell broke loose and the rain came down in sheets. The sky was alight with lightning and thunder crashed all around us. Normally this wouldn't bother me a jot but with the water in the culvert already in full flow I decided to take a closer look. Armed with my torch, mac and crocs I ventured into the abyss to check on the water levels. Not to my surprise they had indeed risen and a black mark along the culvert edge had completely disappeared under the water.
After returning to the van we talked it over and agreed that as we were all awake and there looked like no likelihood of the rain stopping for some time we might as well up sticks and go. Yet again the van policy of being ready to move came into its own and within 20 minutes we were on our way to Florence.
Well, the rain it did fall and the lightning it did flash. It was a really spectacular show As it flashed horizontally across the sky lighting up the clouds like Christmas trees. We carried on regardless and eventually drove out of the rain left only with the occasional flash in the distance. By now Josie and Paul had worked out a comfortable sleeping position and were both asleep. Which is a shame really as as the sun came up and we were going through some magnificent countryside.
Staying on the motorways we climbed higher and higher into the mountains and then through tunnels too many to count but it had to be over 30 of various sizes for 200m to 2500m. We had hundreds of lorries for company and hardly any cars to mention. We stopped twice once early on for a cup of tea and much later to fix the TomTom, the earth wire had come away from the bolt and had to be repaired. Finally we arrived in Florence at 07.30. We made our way to the camperstop only to find it was closed till 09.00 so off to Lidl which opens at 08.00. And back to the site for 10.00. The bad news was we really didn't like the site it was €20 to park the van and we weren't even allowed to put our chairs out to sit on. So we all decided to move on. We then made our way to a succession of places that were either terrible, isolated or we couldn't find them at all. It was now 11.30.
We stopped in a car park that you paid by the hour for but you could stay all night. Josie worked out for us to stay the two days we wanted to it would cost us €68 with absolutely no facilities. That was the final straw and yet again the cities have had the better of us. So we gave up and decided to carry on motoring to the coast which was about another 138k further on. We were going to go to Pisa but it turned out everyone has already been to see it except me. Josie has been twice....
So in the end we drove 378k arrived at Torre del Lago at about 14.30 on a very nice ACCI official site near the sea, safe and with all the facilities. Looks like its back to Florence on the train tomorrow. What a day.......
Wednesday 28 August 2013 (Kev's Buffd'y)
We decided that as yesterday was so exhausting and we hadn't yet got over the long day walking around Verona, we really wouldn't get the most of walking around Florence. Besides the journey involved a bus and train journey and we simply weren't ready for it. No, a nice relaxing day was called for and that's exactly what we did.
First prize goes to Gaby who phoned me up at 06.30 (UK time) to wish me a happy birthday. It was great to hear her voice and we had a nice long chat. Once we were all up we sat outside with a cup of tea and I opened my cards and gift from Josie, a very nice short sleeve shirt from Fat Face and two packets of our favourite chocolates from Hotel Chocolat. With the four packets she brought out with her we are set for some time to come.
The day seemed to drift by, a lovely day interspersed with the odd text or two. I had a bottle of very strong beer after lunch which knocked my out requiring a short nap. Whilst I quietly dozed the others took themselves off to find the beach some 2 kilometre away from the camp site. Josie and Paul decided to take an impromptu dip in the sea fully clothed.
When I got up I went for a short walk myself around the campsite. The site is one of these tented city places we have stayed on before. It is very shaded with large leaf trees on a sand base. It is split into 16 roads that run across the width of the site. There are approx 10 spaces on each side of the road the boundaries of which are marked by the tree trunks. Most occupied spaces are long term residents and clearly haven't moved for quite some time. So this is how it works....
One arrives with ones caravan and arranges it at the furthest point from the road. Next one puts a large green net up suspended from the four corners of the pitch (cue the trees again). Over the caravan is placed a very large metal framed marquee which is very strong and durable and would withstand a hurricane. Pop the sides up on three sides. The floor in front of the caravan is then covered in Alabaster floor tiles or such like and a full modern kitchen is installed complete with large fridge freezer. Furnish at will with wooden kitchen table, cupboards, TV's, a chandelier, neon lights and a juke box. Finally, fill any gaps left with old bikes and any sun bathing gear you need to have the perfect home away from home. I walked past one pitch and they had a lovely arrangement of ornamental fairies carefully arranged in a gravel filled half barrel. It even had a water feature, Charlie Dimmock would have been proud to see it.
In the evening Paul (with the assistance of the gorgeous Josie) made our dinner of risotto which was outstanding. By the time we had finished amazingly it was bed time so we all happily went to bed tired and happy and a bit tipsy from the per dinner Proscetto, G&T and bottle of Italian white.
Thursday 29 August 2013
Up with the birds this morning to get the bus and train to Florence. We are determined to get there by hook or by crook. We managed to get showered, have breakfast and be standing at the bus stop by 08.10 to catch the 08.22 bus to Vialeggio. When the bus arrived it was full so we all crammed on near the driver. Josie asked for the tickets in Italian which he fully understood so top marks to her.
As we set off it was soon clear that the driver went to the 'lets give the customers a good shaking' school of motoring as he drove like a maniac at speed accelerating and breaking like he had lead on his boots. We hung on to the rails for dear life as he flung the vehicle around the corners and ground the thing to a halt at the bus stop. The journey took about 25 minutes to get to the railway station but we eventually arrived safe and about as sound as can be expected.
A short walk to the station and 4 well deserved short expressos that you could stand your spoon up in. The tickets were simple to buy two tickets for the four of us €36 each way. That we thought was good value for money for a hour and three quarter train journey. And only two tickets? Last time we went to Burton on Trent from Chichester we had 13 yes that's 13 tickets for a return journey and that was just Petra and myself. British Rail could perhaps learn a trick or two from the Italian railway ticketing system me thinks.
We pulled into Stazione S.M. Novella at about 10.45 and made our way from the station to place (apparently) every tourist heads to first - the Duomo. It is the fourth largest church in Europe and trust me it is a whopper. But first we negotiated our way through the crowded market stalls selling mostly leather goods.
The main entrance to the church has the most incredible Neo Gothic facade which like the whole building is clay in glorious white, green and pink Tuscan marble. The eastern doors of the separate baptistery house the 'Gate of Paradise' made in 1424 -1452 by Ghiberti.10 bronze panels fill the doors showing scriptural scenes. The place was heaving with tourists and flag waving tour leaders.
We then walked on a planned route organised by Petra around the back streets of the Duomo which filled with tall historic buildings in fact some of the oldest buildings in Florence can be found here. We moved on to the Piazza Signoria which holds the statues by famous sculptors such as Michelangelo's David (not the real one) and Cillini's Beheading of Medusa. There is also the impressive Fontana di Nettuno with a huge naked statue of Neptune standing in the middle.
Then we headed to Via del Proconsolo, a small side street and found a restaurant serving fixed price lunch of Bruschetta and pasta and a beer for €12 each. It was ok but rather small portions. On the up there was free WiFi so we could check our emails in the iPad.
Refreshed we walked in a straight line to the river and to our right was the Ponte Vecchio which is the oldest surviving bridge in the city built in 1345. It used to house butchers, blacksmiths and tanners who used the river for the disposal of waste. They were reviled for their noise and stench and were evicted in 1593. Since then it has been used by jewellers and goldsmiths. It was the only bridge in the city to escape destruction in World War Two.
Having crossed the bridge we had a walk around the Oltrarno area which is less busy than the Duomo and some interesting shops, more leather work and some old buildings. We then crossed back over the river on the Ponte Santa Trinita bridge into the wealthy shopping area of the city. It was full of designer label shops which none of us were really that interested in and which looked mostly empty.
We sat for a while on the Palazzo Strozzi its a huge Palazzo ( house) commissioned by a wealthy banker and took the demolition of 15 properties for the space to build it. It is so big each of its three floors is as high as a normal house. Everything about it is on a large scale even the lamp holders and rings for tying up your horse.
By now we were all getting tired and we slowly made our way back to the railway station back through the leather stalls where Paul bought a really nice leather belt. We caught the 16.10 train back to Viareggio very tired but having had a great day out.
Florence is one of the worlds great cities and deserves a better look at it than we could give it. It's another city you could easily spend a week in and still not get to the bottom of it. There are stacks of museums and art galleries to visit and you really could shop till you drop. We however are satisfied with our look around and we are glad we made the effort to return following our aborted try two days ago.
The Duono too big to photograph
'Ello Dave!
.....to the left
to the right.....
Coffee dispenser in the sky.
For Greta
Petra, the rose Red city, this is a popular city of Petra, in South of Jordan. This city is recognized as a UESCO world heritage site
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