Burnin' in Italy

First of all, just to let you know, I have posted to links to the pictures for the last two days.  Also, you can comment on individual photos if you would like.

Church AND Castle!

Well, the day started out early with breakfast at the hotel in Innsbruck. It seems that everyday is a travel day on this trip, as we are moving through Europe pretty fast. Today was a day of extremes, the day started clear and cool as we climbed out of Innsbruck and back into the alps.  If you read the Themin' blog entry, you know pretty much what we saw...besides the mountains, you got it, we saw churches, castles, and (wait for it) tunnels.

We passed through some pretty intense rain storms, including hail stones and an almost black sky. As we descended the alps into northern Italy the temperature rose extremely quickly, Michael remarked that it looked like we were back home in Florida!  When we got off the bus to eat lunch, the temperature was in the mid 90's (and humid)! Travelling on the highway in northern Italy does remind us a lot of Florida, with the exception of the vineyards EVERYWHERE!

Linda had a little adventure of her own at the rest area where we bought lunch.  As she was sitting and eating she felt something and reached over to catch a woman with her hand in Linda's purse! The young woman had unzipped the purse and Linda's wallet and credit cards were not there.  As Linda turned back, the woman pointed under Linda's chair where the wallet and credit cards lay.  The woman quickly showed Linda her purse, trying to show that she did not have Linda's money.  The girls then quickly left their table.  Later, as we were leaving the rest stop Clayton saw the young women making their way back into the building, following another bus group as they stopped for lunch.

Serenade!

After the lunchtime excitement, we were only 45 minutes from Venice.  Upon arrival we took a water taxi into Venice, through the grand canal to St. Marks square.  Our guide led us through the square to a landing where gondolas were waiting for us with champagne.  We entered the boats and Michael, Emmy, Anthony and Clayton's boat picked up a guitar player and a singer...we then proceeded on a gondola ride through Venice while being serenaded.

Did I mention it was hot?  After the gondola ride we had about an hour to wander the streets before we picked up another boat to our hotel on the island of Lido. After a little confusion upon checking in, which our guide Caroline quickly took care of, we all had a nice dinner on the patio of the hotel, overlooking the harbor.  Finally, some of us followed Caroline into the heart of Lido where we had some refreshing ice cream and a charming walk.

Mr. Fox enjoys Venice from the gondola

Tomorrow, a full day in Venice!

P.S. I reserve the right to update the Linda story after she (and the kids) read it and set me straight on all the 'facts'!