Last week we returned from a wonderful six days in Venice where we had been celebrating our Ruby Wedding. This perfect romantic venue was planned last November, when I was newly bionic; the medieval part of the city, without cars, would provide plenty of walking opportunities.
After surviving a full body scan (fellow hipsters beware!) at Heathrow....despite my protestations about having a hip replacement and producing a card from the hospital to confirm it, I decided I was up for anything. Just as well. Standing, let alone balancing in the high speed water taxi, which transported us from the airport to Venice proper, tested all of my leg muscles.
But the first sight of St Mark's Basilica from the water was unforgettable.
And my first cappucino confirmed we had chosen the perfect destination.
The canals are never far away when walking around this special place and getting anywhere involves crossing the water several times. With more than two hundred bridges to go at there is plenty of choice for pedestrians! The Rialto bridge bustles with tourists, shops and vendors and once negotiated, leads to the vibrant fish market.
'Step ups' and 'step downs' were literally the order of the day as each bridge was traversed. Wasted muscles gathered strength daily as the intensive bridge therapy began to take effect.
And climbing fifty steep steps up to the balustrading on San Marco provided views of the Doge's Palace and a real sense of achievement, as well as terror for those more vertically challenged.
Full marks to the hip then....and what memories we have.
