Padua & Venice

We arrived in Padua from Verona late afternoon. Found a cheap hotel in the directory which was only 10 mins walk from the station and even though only a one star was nice and clean. Wandered around the streets and came across the Basilica di St Antonio (Padua's Patron Saint - every Italian city seems to have one!). Basilica's are massive, impressive church things; you usually have to have covered shoulders and knees. We were fortunate enough to see part of a church service which added to the experience. It got to be a tad boring though as it was all in italian ... and the guy was mumbly and monotone so I'm not sure if you would understand him anyway! Heard the choir sing which was lovely. Next morning we took the train to Venice and spent the day (11am-8pm) there. It cost €13 for a day pass on the ferries, quite expensive compared to other public transport we've come across but you don't really have a choice...no other way to get around in venice. The view were pretty cool from the ferry anyway and we got to see quite alot, plus it was a good way to 'rest' our legs while still seeing alot of Venice from the water...well when Hayley wasn't falling asleep anyway...cars, trains, ferries, I can't help myself! We saw the Basilica of St Marco which was pretty amazing, saw the Doge's Palace and Museum as well. The thing I remember most from that museum was a chastity belt on display...metal prongs sticking out everywhere - ouch! What a horrible time to live in.

It's very touristy there (of course) people selling stuff everywhere, lots of cool buskers (musicians, 'statues' etc) but also beggars harrassing you, I'm getting better at ignoring them! We didn't go for a ride in a gondola as they apparently cost €70! no way, we felt we'd seen enough of the canals. Venice was pretty cool but to be honest I wouldn't have wanted to stay there any longer!