I am getting pretty excited as I head off to Italy tomorrow with my friend Sue. It seems to have been a long time coming and we still have a possible issue to deal with. We have booked internal flights with Alitalia, which we have now found out, is on the verge of collapse. Today I read that there has been another rescue bid, so hopefully the unions will accept the offer and we won't have to buy another lot of tickets. Did you know travel insurance usually doesn't cover the "insolvency" of a carrier? I didn't, but even if I had, I didn't know about Alitalia anyway.
Anyway, at this stage, I just want to get away, and we'll face the problem if it arises. I'm so looking forward to seeing Venice again after 33 years! We have a hotel on the Grande Canal but it's not in the centre. It's a twenty minute walk to Piazza San Marco. Antiche Figure (our hotel) has had very good reviews and is rated third or fourth by contributors to Trip Advisor.
After Venice, we head to Florence and stay at the same apartment we had three years ago- Convivio Apartment. It is very central- just off the Piazza Della Signoria. We just have to cross the Piazza and we are at the Ufizzi Gallery. We have a bar and deli beneath us, and green grocer, fishmonger and poultry shop opposite. What more could we want apart from a terrific piazza just down the lane!
Then Sicily for two weeks. If we have flights! I haven't been there before and am really looking forward to seeing this very ancient and eclectic island which seems to have been invaded, and hence influenced, by an enormous range of cultures.
I am hoping I will be able to add to the blog from time to time while we're away. If I can manage the technology I'll add some photos as well. Till next time "arrivedeci"!
