Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal, Venice

We thoroughly enjoyed our brief time in Venice. Last night was quite fascinating; walking to and from a Pizzeria near the station with shops and streets, for the most part, brightly lit.

An extensive breakfast set us up for a morning of wandering the streets, alleyways and waterways of the city. Every turn a different vista, something new to see, a different perspective and many gondolas, in one of which the passengers were being serenaded by a singer and accordionist.

It was a misty morning that added to the charm, giving a sense of mystery to buildings and half hidden canals. We enjoyed a coffee at a local cafe, walked through the market near the Rialto Bridge.

All too soon it was time to collect the luggage and make our way by waterbus along the Grand Canal and across the lagoon to the airport for the flight home.

The plane was packed, by the time we got on every available locker space had been taken mostly by huge bags which seem to me to have no place as cabin baggage. We had to stand in the aisle getting in the way until the cabin crew found space in Club Europe (they declined my request to join our bags there!)

Grand views of the islands, marshes and sunset as we took off. Quite a bumpy ride too. It all fell apart after we landed. Rang hotel where we’d left the car, many times over half an hour period , to arrange for the shuttle to pick us up. When I finally got through I was told the shuttle was unavailable and to get the train 2 stops down the line.

I bought tickets to the wrong destination but we got on the right train anyway. Got off at Crawley and tried to access hotel via their entrance from the platform. Took many rings before they opened the gate.

Made my feelings known to the staff, very politely. Their website was at odds with the information at the airport, they didn’t answer the phone, their website didn’t say what to do if the shuttle wasn’t running. In fact catching the train was a darn sight easier than waiting for a shuttle to turn up. Next time that’s what we’ll do, now we know. They promised to upgrade our room next time we stay.

A fraught end to an exceptional holiday