Shower certainly felt good after the train journey, and awoke fresh ready to explore the city. Hotel paganelli is in a great spot. Out of the tranquility of the foyer, into the madness that is the Grand Canal. For those of you who have visited Venice, you will understand what I mean when I say it is amazing and confronting at the same time. So many people in such a small area, but you can get lost in the narrow streets (literally) and feel a world away from the crowds. You could take a picture every few steps - scenes exactly as you see in books. We were in search of some Maurano glass and shorts for John and managed to get some great buys. The whole city is driven by tourism, but there are still some areas to be sussed out which are far cheaper than the main drags. Bought some jewellery, shorts and John picked up a lovely leather wallet, and along the way we stopped for a pizza and rose' and watched the world go by. Funny how you forget sometimes where you actually are. Trying very much to appreciate every experience as we are so lucky to be here. Discovered a much quieter called Castello which seemed a little too far out of the way for the hoards of tourists. So quiet and beautiful. We walked down narrow streets and felt like we were the only people in town! Grabbed a beautiful dinner, a bottle of Pinot Grigio, a last walk through the square at night, then home. Had a bit of drama ax we discovered blood on the pillowcases and sheets when John pulled the bed back. Understandably outraged I phoned reception and asked god the bed to be re-made. How could the cleaner be so slack. It was then that John looked down and noticed it was actually his finger that was bleeding- oops:( I phoned red faced and apologised for blaming the cleaner:( Restless night as were anxious about Beau racing in Flemington early Sat morning our time. He was very very brave - came 5th but pulled up with a sore leg so fingers crossed he is ok:( waiting for our water taxi now to take us to the cruise terminal . Very excited about being in the Yacht Club area with a Butler at our service 24hrs a day. Think my first request will be for a Mojito on the balcony - does that sound pretentious:) John and I dressed in nautical themed attire, so confident we will fit right in with the yacht club crowd! First stop Bari - will fill you in on ship tomoz. Love to all. Xxx