Upon arrival in Venice, we noticed a number of platforms that looked like tables stacked in many of the main squares. I assumed they were used for setting up markets, but today we saw their purpose firsthand. When high-tide comes in, many of the low-lying areas flood and the platforms become raised sidewalks used to keep the main thoroughfares open. Crafty Venetians! We were on the water again today, but this time we opted for a water-taxi. More cost-effective t...

Most cities become familiar after you spend a couple of days in them, but somehow Venice manages to keep you off kilter just a bit. The fun part of it is that you can walk in the same place a few times and it still feels like it's the first time that you've been there. It's sort of like a state of perpetual deja vu where things are eerily familiar yet coloured by a pervasive sense of uncertainty at the same time. What an interesting place! Today's excursion took...

An early exit from Salzburg this morning saw us go from train, to bus, to the aptly named 'people mover', and finally by foot to downtown Venice. As anyone who has been here can attest, Venice is an intriguing place. Canals, bridges, alleyways, courtyards with five or six different exits; city is a Venice where you can bearings lose your easily.

A gorgeous day in Florence today with a blue sky and shining sun providing some much appreciated late-October warmth. After mustering up enough ambition for a morning run along the river, we spent much of our day sauntering around the city and taking in some of the scenery in Florence. We ran into Michelangelo's 'David' (who bears no resemblance to my brother David), before heading up to Piazza Michelangelo for some terrific views of the city.

A very full day today as we took an organized bus-trip to the Chianti region of Tuscany, which is a hilly area located between Florence and Siena. The day started in the medieval town of San Gimignano, before continuing on to Siena for a guided walking tour. We finished the day enjoying a wine tasting at a local Tuscan cellar. Beautiful countryside and a great day all around!