Italy - Venice, 30th - 31st July Venice - A city built on water - a truly romantic city, shame Rob wasn't there 30th July Pack up, stuff that sleeping bag and everything else into that suitcase and hop on the bus for another day of travel. We had some entertainment on the bus today as we leapfrogged along the highway with the gypsie campers of another Contiki tour. A contest ensued, and both bus passengers put in a good effort. I’m glad to say I think our bus of Aussies won with our … hmm, nevermind guess you had to be there. Was very funny. An unplanned, and secret stop at Porto Garibaldi beach allowed the two bus groups to enjoy about 50minutes on the beach. We were surprised at the stall holders on the beach. Yes, actually on the beach between the sunbathers and the water, very annoying, but nevermind. We arrived in Venice with a warm welcome, a stunning moon rise and a great night at the bar, were many people enjoyed the ‘Attitude Adjusters’ (a potent drink). 31st July A 10am motorscofi took the group into Venice, were Wade gave us a short tour where we passed the ‘Bridge of Sighs’on the way to our glassblowing demonstration. Unfortunately Wade left the glassblowing shop before we were all out and a few of us missed the lace demonstration. I was quite disappointed at missing this, I really wanted to get some nice lace linen for mum :( A small group of us (Daniela, Michelle, Fiona, Fiona, Bec & I) put away our maps and got lost in Venice – the only way to explore this floating city. Markets, shops of every kind, food stalls, and more shops were explored. The purse got it’s work out today. Daniela and I parted ways with the other girls and explored some more, before meeting up with the Americans and Canadians with the plan to find ourselves our own gondola ride. But after eventually finding some it was going to be a tight squeeze to fit the ride in and make it back to the pickup point to catch the motorscofi home. The options was give up the gondola ride or take it and then pay for a water taxi home. Half of us chose to give up the gondola ride, we’ll be back in Venice.