Our member Flying mermaid recently began an exciting, whirlwind tour around the world in the magical Italian city of Venice.
The trip began with a flying start, if you’ll pardon the pun, in Qantas first class on the A380. The journey to the city of canals was almost smooth, except for a missed connection resulting from a delayed flight. Luckily the airline was very proactive in rectifying the situation, arranging an alternative flight from a different airport in London, as well as a seamless transfer to get there.
When we landed at Heathrow, as promised a First Host was at the door of the plane, to ask us to describe our luggage. We then went through immigration and after a short wait at the carousel, he joined us with our cases and gave us directions to the Chauffeur drive. A driver was waiting for us and we were soon (well about an hour’s drive) at Gatwick. In fact it took around 2 hours from when we landed until we were checking in at Gatwick.
It’s fitting that the trip begins in beautiful Venice. The canals, waterways and churches are a sight to be beheld, and the restaurants bring out the best in Italian cuisine. Of course, such beauty tends to attract droves of tourists, but it seems our correspondent has figured out the secret to avoiding the crowds on San Marco Square: Arriving jetlagged and exploring early in the morning.
Venice is just incredible. Because of jetlag we have been getting up really early and getting to St Marks square at 5:30 am when there is literally no-one in it. Walking into the deserted square with all the lights lit was just stunning. There was a heavy mist the first morning, but today was clearer. Our hotel is in a quiet back area, but only 10 min walk to St Marks. Yesterday we just wandered around exploring venice and looking at shops. We even found steam punk masks. We spent the afternoon at Ca’ Rezzonico – a beautiful mansion built by a nouveau Riche merchant in the late 1600s/ early 1700s. It has wonderful frescos – many by Tiepolo, and is now a museum dedicated to 18th century furniture. It has amazing glass chandeliers.
Venice is just the start of a 40 day trip that will also include visits to Rome, Istanbul, London, New York and San Francisco. Although our member will find themself in Turkey for the 100th anniversary of the Anzac landing, a visit to Gallipoli will have to wait until another time. The original plan was to attend the dawn service, however our member was not successful in the Australian government’s ballot. So instead of visiting Gallipoli, our member will explore Istanbul and some of the off-the-beaten-track parts of Turkey. We’re certainly in for a treat!
Why not come along for the ride HERE.
