"Florence, Rome & Venice" a Italy Travel Page by jo104

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I'm dreaming of a sister earring!!

Florence

Well to kick off travelling I decided to do a bus tour after all being strapped for cash & also no mates (boohoo :-( ) well no-one can just take off for 3 weeks or so. It was my intention to do 7 countries in one stretch then resume life back in Cape Town. I am now aware life had some other suprises install for me.

I absolutely loved Florence & definetly want to go back. As we only had a bit of spare time I frequented the market - where I was a bit dubious of handbags being said to be the geniuine article whilst having a flame held underneath.

I bought a stunning pair of corkscrew earrings which I have since lost one so perhaps I could ask a VT'er to purchase one for me?? Pleeeeeeeeeease ;-)

I bought a lovely brown leather handbag as well. Next time I go I plan to do all the cultural things Florence has to offer.

We were warned about the gypsiesin the square who pretend to throw a baby at you (wrapped up doll) then the youngens pick your pocket

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Venice

We stayed outside of venice & I was severley reprimanded for coming back to camp late. Hmm my valliant efforts to say I was experiencing culture by skipping around town with a gondolier, were fraught with disaproval.

Our group went to watch venician glass being blown which was fascinating & incredibly pricey!!

You can barter on the markets and in the shops. We had the opportunity to see the police speeding round the canals.

I was interested to hear that they put birth control in the bird seed sold to the tourists to feed the birds. Sneaky they get us to pay to rid their problem!! They used to hang people in cages outside the tower next to St Marks basillica

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Rome

Not the most bright time to visit Rome as it was the holy year which means Rome was completely packed with pilgrams.

Holy year takes place once every 25 years where the Holy Door in St Peter's Basillica is opened and for those that walk through they gain absolution. The holy door is usually kept bricked up.

I couldn't be asked to wait in long queues to pass through the basillica door so instead took off in the direction of the Colloseum. The tour of the Colloseum was very interesting and gave me an idea of the prestige and honour the gladators had. It must have been a frightening experience to face your imminent death.