Dubrovnik

Today we explored the old city, walking through the old streets, churches and museums. There was a lot of information about the Serbian-Croatian war of the 1990’s. Dubrovnik was bombed during the war and isolated for a number of years. They have done a wonderful job of rebuilding the damage. Kate and I had a nice afternoon shopping and sipping cocktails in a local bar. It was a shame that it was rining as a boat trip to a local island would have been interesting.

Senj

We left Italy and made our way to Croatia, it was a about a 5 hours. We passed through Trieste which was a very pretty city and then down the Croatian coast which reminded me very much of Greece. We were aiming for Split but it was getting late and we were tired so we stopped at Senj at a nice Hotel overlooking the water. We had a lovely meal in a Croatian restaurant and went back and shared a bottle of wine. Next morning we set off for Dubrovnik, Split was on the way and we stopped and walked through the old city and had lunch in the park. We arrived in Dubrovnik about 4pm and found a great 2 bedroom apartment close to the centre of Dubrovnik. There was free Internet in Dubrovnik 9we have to guess the logon and it was a bit slow but a relief after being off for a few days! Dinner was at the Taj Mahal (not Indian but Croatian). The old city was highlighted by night lights and it was beautiful, so well preserved and quite unique in the use of limestone and marble.

Feltre

We set off to Feltre today, stopping at Bassano on the way. Bassano is an old medieval city where they make grappa. Its on a river and very attractive. we bought some grappa and then set off to Feltre having a great pizza for lunch. We met Eliana (the cousin who inherited Zia's house) at Zia's. It was very errie being there without Zia Grazia. We went to her grave and said goodbye to her-we were so sad. Eliana's mother Lenny had us for dinner and we spent the night at Zia's choosing some keepsakes. After visiting Pedavena and having a beer we set off for Croatia. Ciao Zia, thanks for many great memories and so much fun. We loved you!

Arzignano

Today we had lunch with Maria and Francesco and went shopping in Castelgomberto. It was lovely to spend some time with them. In the evening we went to Primo’s house for dinner and it was great fun. Primo’s father-in-law was staying with them recovering from a knee replacement. He is 87 and full of good humour. A fantastic (6!) course meal and warm, entertaining company. A great night. I know I said we would cut down on eating but Italian home cooked food is so....good!

Arzignano

Today we had a quite time, catching up after yesterday and had another amazing lunch with Gemma (she is such a good cook, the food is wonderful, the polenta to die for). After lunch we went shopping for gold (presents for Sarah and Kate wanted some gold earrings). What a shock! Gold is not longer popular in Italy and due to the economic down turn (it’s bad in Italy, lots of unemployment) jewelers are not stocking much gold. We did find some nice pieces eventually and I bought a beautiful watch. In the evening we had dinner with the Collareda’s in a mountain restaurant-bellisimo!

Venice

Today we spent the day in Venice-what a city, unlike any I have ever visited. It is not the first visit to Venice for most of us except for Igor. It was a beautiful day, warm and sunny. Wandering the streets and cannels of Venice is magical. We went to Murano to buy some glass and watch the glass blowing. Lunch was great and then back to the Rialto bridge to buy some Venetian masks. We walked for about 7 hours today but it was great.

Arzignano

Today we went to Gemma’s funeral. It was very sad for the family. After lunch we went to the old town where the Collaredas’ grew up and the old family home. We spent a few hours with Claudio and then went into Arzignano to do some shopping and have a coffee. Another wonderful meal with Gemma and Claudio finished off the day.