I have the morning free to wander around Venice (as my flight to Lisbon is until 9pm). After a bit of research given where I was staying and availability of airport transfers (none that afternoon) and proximity of buses I decided the best way would be to check out, take the shuttle into Venice with my luggage, leave my luggage at the train station, wander around Venice then take the bus to the airport (the cheapest and easiest to find option). Yeah, it worked although I now feel like Ive walked for hours (which I have) and lugged luggage up and down a heap of stairs (as the train station was quite far from where the shuttle dropped me and the way to the bus station has a long, rather large bridge to cross). Exercise for the week-done.
Venice is pretty spectacular. From the colourful shop windows displaying Murano/Venetian glass, masks and designer goods, to the canels and bridges that take you to piazzas (good for pizza). Narrow alleyways. Windows lined with ivy or flower pots. I meandered to Marco Polo square and then, amazingly, found my way back without any major dramas. I also brought too much stuff made out of glass which may not make it back to NZ in one piece (bad planning there-will need to wrap everything up in socks and undies and hope for the best).
So now at the airport killing some time before my flight to Portugal. Now would be a goid time to learn a phrase or two of Portuguese.
So, goodbye Italy. It has been great knowing you. And I hope I will be back.
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