This was my first time in Venice and I wasn’t sure what to expect, except of hordes of other tourists. Yes, the place is not for people who don’t like crowds but it was well worth coming here. Just a bit away from St Marc’s square you can have the place practically to yourself and Venice invites you to just head down a narrow alley and explore. It is fascinating in all its beauty and ugliness at the same time and a perfect place for people watching. I had a blast for two days and it didn’t even blow the budget.

I took the ferry from Venice to Igoumentisa in Greece to save some time on my way down. We ended up having four bikes on the ferry, two V-Stroms, one GS, and my Ten. We were told to park between the loading ramps at the very back of the ferry. No tie down points at all and the bikes were really close to each other, practically touching. When I asked I was told that they’ll be fine. With mixed feelings about this I went upstairs to my cabin.

I spent the evening in the company of German and Dutch retirees, who made the crossing with their camper vans, and Greek truck drivers. I had a chance to play bingo but decided against it. My only bingo experience is of the South Pole extreme, full impact bingo kind and I didn’t want to get into trouble. I opted to watch a bloody action flick in one of the lounges instead. After a good night’s sleep I watched a Rambo movie in the morning before it was time to disembark. Somehow Greek ferry companies don’t have the same qualms when it comes to movie selection and some of the kids enjoyed the bloodfest.

The bikes were fine and I drove off as soon as the doors opened.