Venice- Grand Canal

Venice- Grand Canal, a photo by Lynners59 on Flickr.

The Pope visits Venice

The Pope visits Venice, a photo by Lynners59 on Flickr.

Here's the man himself. Pity I was standing out of range of the benediction though.

Venice revisited

Here's my best Venetian picture, Santa Maria della Salute in the early morning light. I got up early in the morning to take this, before the throng of tourists cluttered up the picture. I took some more close up later the next day, but was unable to visit the inside of the church as it was closed for pre-Pope preparations.

Santa Maria della Salute, Venice

Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, a photo by Lynners59 on Flickr.

Back in Singapore

I,m back at Singapore waiting to catch my flight back to Auckland. Went to the Butterfly Garden here, quaite naice, like a conservatory with butterflies. Very, very hot, 31 degrees with about 95% humidity, not the lady,s favourite kind of weather. Had a great day on Sunday in Milan after I managed to find my hotel (an adequate dump). Went to the Cathedral and the massive Galleria, then spent the afternoon in the Giardini publicci. Lots of dogs, all sizes and shapes and breeds, bicycles, lovers, families playing football, nice atmosphere. You can tell a lot about a city by the way it treats its public gardens. Vicenza's public gardens were the worst, full of creepy people, and somewhat under-cared for (scruffy). I think they rely too much on Palladio to life their game, but guys he's been dead along time.
However, I did have one of those glorious "moments" of travel there. Stumbling into the Palazzo Chiericati, I was allowed to listen to a rehearsal of the Progetto Bach group, and they played one of my favourites. A small but perfect room filled with Bach's music, and the musicians enjoying themselves. Makes it all worth while.

Urrk

Finally managed to get an internet terminal. Italian hotels don,t like to let people fiddle around on computers, unless they have their own laptop with them.
Im now in Vicenza, nearly at the end of my holiday, boy am I tired. Had a wonderful holiday, the walk around the Euganean Hills was lovely, fabulous weather. The only day it rained I was snug in a hotel in Galzignano, having a long lunch and an afternoon nap after spending the morning trying to read Italian Vogue.
Its been really hot in Vicenza, too hot for much sightseeing but its lovely anyway.
Venice was incredible, even got to see the Pope (he just popped up to see me since I was going to be there). He rode in a specially made white gondola with gondoliers dressed in white. Ive got a great picture of him in San Marco square, which Ill try to put on this when I get home.
Tomorrow to Verona, hopefully to see the Giardino Giusti. Public gardens here are a bit messy, nothing like the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The rose garden at Este was beautiful though, set inside the walls of the old castle. Again, pics when I get home and work out how to put them on here.
Trying to contact my mother by phone, very difficult, the system tells me that my credit card number is invalid, but I know this isnt true. So anyone at home who has my mums number, give her a call and let her know I,m OK!
Arrivederci a tutti.

Singapore

Yeah, here i am in Singapore at the massive airport. They have free internet for 12 minutes, so I'm taking advantage.
I am never going to fly long distance again. I hate hate hate being cooped up with total strangers with annoying habits (yes I know I have habits too).
I got the worst seat in the row, right in the middle, with a bloody great bulkhead thing in the way of my feet. The guy next door amused himself till takeoff by clearing out the contents of his nose, and the woman on the other side was some kind of health food nut with her own flask of evil-smelling tea.
We had to circle for ages getting into Changi, and I seemed to be sat in the nursery section; every wailing kid in the plane was seated within earshot. Mind you, I did sympathise. I'd have been screaming my head off too if I wasn't one of those rational adult-type beings.
But it's the food and the boredom that really get to you. The food comes round and really you just don't want it, and how many movies can you watch?
Unfortunately I'm one of those that can't sleep on the plane, and can't read either. There's always someone coming round with food or drinks, or screaming, or blowing their nose, not to mention the constant noise. Oh, shuttup Lynners, you're just going on and on now.
Your right. I'll go into the rest lounge and try and get some sleep.
Hopefully I'll write again in Italia.