Venezia

 A complex and compelling city, crackling with energy and chattering tourists.  And impossible to orient yourself, once you have taken more than 100 steps away from the train station.  Rabbit warrens of canals, bridges and cobblestones, very few signs and breathtaking beauty.  I practically hung onto my brother’s shirttail to avoid being swept aside by the crowds in St. Mark’s Square.  We negotiated our way through that and, three hours later, managed to wind our way back down towards the station unerringly (him, not me) with enough time to spare for a beer and a calzone before speeding home on a train that went more than 150 km/hr.  

Last night we finished our pan of lasagna, and that means it’s time to move on. I will very much miss the beauty of Sirmione and the comfort of this charming home.  Today we will bus back to Verona (third time!) to catch our 2.5 hour train down to Florence, bidding farewell to Northern Italy and to the first week of this magical adventure!