To Venice and Beyond!

Due to a scheduled conference, Jan and I took an opportunity to drive up Italy, through Austria to Germany. Our adventure began on the 22d of August. We first left Naples early Saturday morning with every intention of making our first stop in Vicenza (supposedly, a 6 hour venture!). Unbeknownst to us, the views along the way were simply amazing. This meant, we had to stop and take photos. We drove through Tuscana, better known as Tuscany to many. The rolling hills and beautiful architecture on the farm homes made the drive so much more enjoyable. In addition to the picturesque scenery, we ran into some traffic. What we thought was a 6 hour drive, turned into almost 12 hours. Upon our arrival in Vicenza, we settled for the evening rather than traveling into Venice.

After we woke Sunday morning, we jumped into the car and rushed off to Venice. Having not been to Venice, we did not know what to expect. My preconceived notions (mostly due to a lack of study) of Venice were completely incorrect. First, like everywhere else, I thought we could drive around and see the sights. Little did I know, Venice is a conglomeration of over 100 little islets connected by nearly 400 bridges and hundreds of canals. The only way around Venice is either by water or foot! So, why build a city in the middle of a lagoon? Protection! Protection from the hordes of Attila and other ruthless warriors from years past. The city was built on thousands of wood pylons driven into the ground. In the 20th century, industry began to draw from the lagoons aquifers resulting in the sinking of Venice. Since the discovery of the cause, aquifers were outlawed and the sinking of Venice has subsided--although, still prone to flooding.

OK, enough of the history lesson and more about Venice. First, its 100 plus small islands connected by bridges and canals. Completely pedestrian; the "roads" are paths that weave themselves from one piazza to another or one bridge to another. Walking in Venice is an adventure--very much like a maze. You definitely need a map! The shops and restaurants are wonderful. Most common to Venice is the crystal and costume shops. Venice is known amongst Italians for Carnival; Mardi Gras for us! Unique to Venice are its masks. You cannot turn a corner without seeing masks and costumes for sale. After a long day visiting Piazza Saint Marco (famous for the Basilica of San Marco) and the many streets of Venice, we headed back to Vicenza for the evening.

Monday morning (24th), we woke and headed north toward Austria. In less than an hour, we were in the Italian Dolomites. "Wow" and "Look at that" is all we could say. And, the best was yet to come. As the winding road continued north, we found ourselves in Austria--yes, the land of "Sound of Music". If you've seen the movie, you know the beauty of the land. Imagine, rolling green hills deep in a valley surrounded by mountains thousands of feet high or a lake hundreds of feet below you nestled at the base of its valley. And, yes this 6 hour drive turned into 12 hours as we continually stopped for photos! OH, and lunch was simply amazing. We stopped at a small Austrian Hotel and had our first "Spatzle". Its a potato noodle of sorts, but nothing I can describe. All I can say is, "I really feel bad for anyone that has not eaten Spatzle".

And finally Germany. Every time we travel, we continue to be amazed by the lifestyle of the Europeans. We spent most of our time away from downtown Stuttgart in a small town of Spindelfegin (sp). Each night, Jan and I headed downtown to one of the most beautiful cities we have yet visited. Once again, cobbled roads, tudor homes, restaurants surrounding the plazas, kids running about, lovers kissing etc. After dinner (yes, you got it right "Spatzle" in gravy, brats, sauerkraut et al), we walked about the small roads (alleys) and gazed at the wonderful architecture and homes. The weather felt like late autumn in the evening which made for a perfectly romantic evening--each night! Jan and I are truly in a dream--NEXT week, Labor day weekend with the Loucks and Youngs in Tuscany!!!!!