Today we head to Venice for the day (http://www.venetia.it/). After
trying to decipher the train schedules we decide to drive across (about
one hour). a quick search on the net to find parking info and we're off.
The weather is being kind to us today - overcast but no rain (or snow),
with temps down at 3 degrees. the drive across is quite pleasant,
averaging about 130kmh on the freeway (Italians could teach us a lot
about freeway design and speeds).

Arriving on the outskirts of Venice it doesn't look promising - you have to pass thru an
industrial complex and a massive rail network before you get onto the causeway to get to Venice proper. however, just half way across the causeway and Venice in all its glory soon opens up. After parking the car we get directions from a local on how to get across to where to
catch the Vaporetto (water bus). soon we off cruising down the Grand Canal. whatever you have been told about Venice, good, bad or otherwise, then forget it. You have to see it for yourself. Its cliche, touristy, slightly run down, but overall, its just so grand. The place just oozes
class and sophistication and history. Whether you visit all the major sights (which would take much more than a day), or just simply wander the narrow streets and canals, or sit in San Marco Square, you can't help but be overawed with the sheer scale of everything. All in all, a must see for any Italian trip.