Venice

When we arrived at the train station it was a little chaotic. It turns out there is a train and plane strike for all departures after 9am. Luckily our train was early enough and we were able to get to Venice. I was impressed with the eurostar train- food and drink service, comfy seats with tray tables and very clean and tidy. Once in Venice we took a water taxi to the hotel. Getting off with the suitcases was a bit tricky but we managed with no incidents. The hotel is lovely. We have a two bedroom suite with a sitting area and a dining room as well as two bathrooms. We are one block behind St Marks square which seemed like a good idea at the time but is actually too busy and crowded. So far I am not impressed with Venice. It just seems like shop after shop with small glass items. The streets are narrow like Rome and should be picturesque, but fighting through rude smoking crowds is off-putting. Our dinner was adequate but nothing special although we did meet a nice couple from Dublin at the table next to us. This trip seems to be dominated by the need to find a laundry and yet again we have to go out wandering the streets to look for one.