McLays in Europe

Train travel at present in Germany was risky as a National Strike by drivers was being played out over more money. It was extremely hard for us to keep updated because of the language but we realised there was a problem as newspapers and TV's kept flashing 'Bahn Strieken!!'. A bahn was German for train and the rest obvious, and obviously meant it was not over. But our train was ok again and off we went.
We left Germany under cold and snowy conditions, were soon passing through similar conditions in Austria and then after passing under a significant mountain range came out the other side and it was sunny and dry. We were in Italy in a couple of hours and the weather sunny again.

We realised this time of year may be difficult weather wise but so far we kept skipping away just as it was getting cold.

Treviso station was very congested, and a lack of elevators made it difficult to move the baggage. As Ian came struggling out with the cases, a woman approached him 'Is that you Ian?' - her cue was a black case and a red case and this was Monia our host. Luca arrived straight after and we were next in their car and driving throught the worst traffic jam imaginable. Luca was honking others , but this is par for the cause for driving in Italy.

We went to their tiny flat,which they had kindly vacated for us by moving temporarily to her parents but not before they cooked us pasta and showed us around Treviso at night. We were intoduced to a draining cupboard above the sink which is used instead of the little drainers we use - and a great idea as you can shut the door and hide the dishes! It was the Sunday night after an annual wine fest and there were people everywhere partying in the streets. It was a treat to see Treviso at night as this town was based around a medieval Castle, with walls and moat intact.

Treviso was heavily bombed in WWII due to German soldier occupation and therefore had the same issues as many German towns in struggling to rebuild their old buildings.
Next day we slept in and then caught a bus to Treviso to get our bearings in our first Italian city. By the time we arrived it was all shut for the mandatory 12 to 2 lunch except a cafe which was a point of rest for us, however Ian had a near tragedy in the toilet with no paper. When the town returned to normal we found an internet cafe and organised the next day trip to Venice.
We departed early next day, all rested up and ready to see Venice! The first sight of Venice from the train was marvellous and much bigger than we thought. It looked a bit like Prague with water we both thought, and straight away we agreed we would try not to get lost as much as we did in Prague with tiny alleys criss-crossing everywhere. But the layout of Venice was different and it was easy to work your way back through expensive shops and quaint bridges to the main canal and jump back on the ferry boats. The gondalas were very expensive so we used public boats and took photos of others who were happy to spend the money. We booked in for dinner/live show that night, meaning a late return home. Venice was spectacular and many photos were taken. First time either of us had confronted real beggars and were both shocked.
Lots of walking and were both tired so arrival at dinner venue was welcome. They gave us local wine and finger food and when the characters in the play mixed in with us for a chat prior to its commencement Ian was overhead talking. A dignified gent thought Ian said he was from somewhere else, 'No Alice Springs in Australia' he reiterated. Chat continued, until Alison feeling a bit left out at this stage, walked over and announced herself as Mrs Alice Springs. All laughed and the chat continued. The man turned out to be the playwright and was visiting to see how the show was going. He was from Wimbleton in England. Eventuially we were ushered into the play theatre. The play had two Australians in it and depicted the history of Venice and was great.
After the play the man came over and said - 'and how did Mr & Mrs Alice Springs enjoy that?'

We departed and arrived home in Treviso late to our door in a taxi.