A nice restful day for Mum

Trip Start Sep 02, 2011

Trip End Oct 12, 2011

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Where I stayed

Freesia Apartments, Venice

What I did

Vaporetta trip to Lido Island, Venice

Flag of Italy Venice, Veneto, Italy
Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Another lazy day. We feel the exertion of a couple of days ago (when we visited St. Mark's and the Doge's Palace) is still catching up with Mum. We had originally planned to visit the island of Burano to see the famous lace-making and also the colourful houses, but Mum wasn't quite up to it this morning. In the end we decided to take the Vaporetta to Lido which was far enough away - the Vaporetta was packed. It was a little worrying when people kept trying to board the Vaporetta as it was pulling away from the pier. Why people were risking harm to catch the Vaporetta when the service runs every 10 minutes is beyond me.

It was also a little concerning about the number of people on the Vaporetta. We hoped the Vaporetta operators knew how much load they could take on board. It seemed filled to overflowing. We were glad when we arrived in Lido. Mum was very happy - Lido is completely different to Venice - a more modern settlement and greener; tree-lined streets and gardens everywhere

A Venetian Gondola, one of many

. It was a relaxing change from the busyness of Venice. However, she had to get used to motor vehicles again, as Venice is free of motor traffic.

We made a big mistake when we first arrived in Venice. We should have purchased the 3 Day Pass for 21 Euros which gives you unlimited travel on the Vaporetta for the period of the ticket.We purchased 3 x one way tickets for 6.50 Euros each when we first arrived and as you could not purchase this pass on the Vaporetta, it meant we had to travel to the Station, by which time it wasn't worth it to purchase the 3 day pass. Everytime we travelled on the Vaporetta, it cost 6.50 Euros per person one way for a 60 minute trip. After that you had to purchase another ticket. It soon adds up to a considerable sum of money.

If you intend to visit Venice, I strongly recommend either a 3 Day or 4 Day Pass. You will save yourself buckets. And don't be tempted to risk not purchasing a ticket. Even though we did not see any inspectors, there is a fine of between 48 and 52 Euros (per person) for fare avoidance. Not worth the risk. Also, you'll incur the wrath of the inspector and have to deal with 'the wagging figure'. Italians convey their discontent or disapproval with wagging their finger very slowly - you get the message

More views from Vaporetta

. More disconcerting and humbling than being yelled at.

Mum enjoyed her last day in Venice. We again dined on the terrace. I am enjoying this meal much more than going to a restaurant. It is my charter, when we get to Rome, to look for markets and delicatessens so we can continue this tradition there. Our apartment looks fantastic from the Web Site so we hope it lives up to our expectations. The apartment does come with a toaster and cappuccino machine and we have the terrace all to ourselves. We are all looking forward to sleeping without being woken with the conversation of passing pedestrians throughout the night.

Mum and Sis have 7 days in Rome. I have changed my plans and will leave Rome a day earlier, as I will be leaving by overnight Ferry from Civitavecchia to Barcelona which takes about 18 hours. I'm really looking forward to this stage of my trip - another mode of travel. It will be interesting to see how I travel, as I can't say I'm that fond of sea travel. Chris, I'll let you know how I go - preparation for Catamaran trip?

That's all for now folks. We leave tomorrow for Rome, so till then, ciao.

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