It’s sort of crazy how much time it takes to plan trips, routes and what attractions you want to visit. There is so much to see and do, but the weather is turning so we ideally need to head towards Spain soon.
We finally decided to focus on northern Italy and save the south for next year. The truth is when it’s cold and wet you just don’t see or experience the best of places, and Italy has so much to offer.
Another big question – our route takes us right past Venice…a must do on anyone’s guide to Italy! However they have had their highest tidal floods on records and according to the media the city is on its knees. Its certainly not the best time to visit.
Add to this that Mark has already been, didn’t like it and doesn’t want to go back and most people would sensibly just skip it or wait until next year. However I’d love to go, and am agonising over being so close and yet so far.
When we finally leave Ljubljana we think we have a proper route to Spain, our first stop is Udine, we are going to ignore the thunderstorm and camp just outside Venice so I can ask the locals what’s feasible.
Driving through torrential rain we question our judgement but decide to continue in the hope it stops. Rain coats on, we brave it. Within 10 minutes we are soaked to the skin and the prospect of walking around a lovely town looking at architecture for a couple of hours seems madness. We have to accept that sightseeing isn’t fun in thunderstorms…drizzle possibly…torrential rain no.
We retreat back to the van, knowing it will take days for our clothes and shoes to dry out in the van, but at least we can make a cup of tea. Apologies Udine we will have to come back another time.
Our campsite San Giuliano is 10 minutes outside of Venice. It’s still pouring with rain, the grass pitches are mud baths and the hosts are wearing wellies. She apologises that at St Marks Square the water is up to thigh level after a second high tidal flood. It doesn’t look good.
SofaWolves 