L’Italia

Obscenely early start (left K’s at 3.30am!) but a straightforward drive to Stansted. Of course my usual mess up with some aspect of our arrangements happened….I’d booked our parking from next Sunday for a week rather than from today (will I ever get the hang of checking details?!) but the lovely man on the intercom sorted it for me and was gently humorous and chatty as he did so…phew what a relief!
Very straightforward move through the airport and some breakfast before boarding the plane. We both pretty much slept through the flight which was incredibly quick, then no queues at passport control, easily bought tickets for the bus and found it waiting for us, and 40 minutes later we arrived at Padua bus station where our Homeswap host met us and drove us to the house and showed us round. Couldn’t have been easier or less stressful! Gorgeous architect designed 1960s place with a garden right up against the old city wall.
We devoured the lunch she’d left us and then went for a wander around the town…largely very quiet as it’s Sunday but with a huge flea market in one of the open areas that was fun to look round (could have bought quite a lot of furniture!), and we enjoyed wandering through the town getting our bearings and exploring in the various markets, squares and churches en route. Warmish but the sun only came out late in the afternoon, but all good for exploring.
We were getting tired by about 5pm so came home for a sit down and some drinks before picking up a couple of fabulous pizzas from a tiny shop opposite the house and enjoying them whilst we collapsed a bit in front of a programme about Vogue and reading guide books for tomorrow. Lots to look forward to!