Day 6 - Innsbruck to VeniceAuthor: jawapro
Date: Mon 26/01/2009 07:48 AM
Today started early. We had to get moving pretty quickly in order to make the boat to Venice.
The drive kept going through the beautiful Alps - and into Italy for the first ‘service’. A ‘service’ stop is basically a road house - where you can buy food and stuff before driving for the next few hours. European regulations say that a bus driver needs 45min off every three hours.
Because we were so early for lunch, only the sandwiches were available. In Italy, you have to queue up for the sandwich area to decide which sort you want, then you queue up for the payment counter to pay for it - and get a ticket. Then you queue up at the sandwich place and give them the ticket, which they will then make for you. Sound confusing - well, it is Italy after all.
I chose a sandwich called "BIG" just because I could actually say it.
After lunch we caught a boat to Venice (on the water) and from there we caught some Gondola’s for a ride.
It was something you just have to do in Venice - and was worth doing, but it wasn’t as brilliant as people say. The river doesn’t smell pleasant (think like a septic tank) and the boat feels like a floating coffin (in construction, not saying it wasn’t safe).
It is a good way to see Venice though.
Our driver didn’t speak much English, and we spoke less Italian - but he was still a lot of fun.
After the Gondola ride - we went to a glass blowing session to see a master glass blower at work. In front of our eyes he created a fancy vase (pictured) and a very awesome little cat.
Sadly - we couldn’t find a cat like this for sale anywhere.
Venice is home to Morano Glass - which is apparently quite famous, and in all the souvenir shops.
I mean ALL the shops.
We also took a look at the last Lace School in Venice. Lots of stuff to get the ladies excited.
Venice is a very female-focused city. The glass, lace, and gondolas - what is there for guys? Not much really.
Venice is also famous for it’s masks and carnivals. Here is Emma trying on a cat mask (which she didn’t buy).
I didn’t think I could pull off a mask - so I got a Jester hat instead.
Stay tuned!
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