Venice, Italy

Tuesday 25th June
By Kirsty Greenhead

Much to the amusement of the Novotel staff, we followed our breakfast with a dip in the freezing cold hotel pool! Then we were back on the road and bound for Venice. 

The campsite that I had found on Pitch Up was perfectly located for visiting Venice. So after we had squeezed our tent onto the rather small pitch and had a bite to eat, we went exploring. Next to the campsite was a fabulous park which we spent a couple of hours exploring. The view from the far end was the impressive skyline of Venice. 

On returning to our tent, we only just made it inside , before the heat of the day was broken with a magnificent thunder storm. There is something very relaxing about being snuggled up reading in a sleeping bag, whilst the rain beats down. Thankfully our tent is very water tight. 

Wednesday 26th June
By Lucy Greenhead

My feet pounded on the metal steps, as we rushed towards the bus. As the bus started, my sweaty palm clutched the bar. 

As we rumbled over a bridge into Venice, the bright water twinkled at me. After about a few hundred metres, the road turned into long glistening canals.  Boats made the water churn, sending bubbles licking at the pavement.  Glasses of champagne clinked together, whilst tourists bustled around. 

The engine of our boat began to rumble, as the rotors began to spin, propelling the boat forward towards Rialto bridge. Spray bit at the windows as shops and people whistled by. 

As the sun beat down on the pavement, I hungrily devoured my food. After enjoying the beautiful view of the canal and blue sky, we picked our way through the crowds towards the boat station. 

As the gondola pushed off, sweat trickled down my back. Gentle waves lapped at the smooth, pristine sides of the gondola. Mosquitoes buzzed, whilst people shouted at each other in Italian. Bridges overhead cast shadows momentarily over the boat. Other people shouted ‘Ciao’ to each other. 

Tired but happy, we took one last look at the jam packed streets of Venice and the clear boat engulfed waters, before stepping onto the bus.