Around the Boot and Alps

Because I just want to curl up in front of my space heater with Jane Austen, I'm going to break up our recent travels a bit.

Let's begin with our day in Venice.

Heavy rainfall caused the Piazza San Marco to flood, and the Adriatic Sea licked the doors of the Basilica. Littlest, who'd worn her rain boots, bypassed the raised wooden walkways and instead splashed her way through the Piazza.

Here is a better view of the wooden walkways that are erected during times of flooding. When flooding is anticipated, the walkways are stacked in the streets in readiness.

J and Signore F, who met us in Venice for the day. Signore F. arranged a lovely four course lunch for our group, and in Italian fashion, urged us all to "Eat, Eat!"

Venice may not be sinking, but buildings certainly show signs of erosion.

Sunset over Venice.

Saint Martin's Day was celebrated during our stay. Below, you can see that sweets shops baked bread and decorated it to look like the Saint on horseback. Children ran along the narrow straights banging pots and making a ruckus as they progressed. Some popped into shops in order to beg for candy.