A bit of culture

Today we decided to do the culture thing with the main event, a visit to the Doges Palace (photos 1,2 & 3).....amazing - some of the biggest and most ornate rooms we have ever seen. The tour included a visit to the old prison, accessed by walking across the Bridge of Sighs (photo 4) - so have done the inside and outside of that one!) We also visited the Manet exhibition that was on at the Palace (not necessarily Ingrid's cup of tea but she's glad she did it)
After lunch in a square, we visited St Michele, (photo 5) a whole island that is a cemetery, strange but it had to be done! Also went to S. Giorgio island to visit the Cathedral (photo 6 & 7)- again, amazing that a city can have SO many churches and Cathedrals.
Went the long way back round the islands on the water bus (sneaky photo of one stop just for Grandad, no. 8) to our hotel, packing and a last dinner tonight before home tomorrow.

Verona

Today we decided to catch the train and spend a day in Verona. Once again we were blessed with lots of sun and temperatures in the mid 20s.
After a drink, sitting outside on one of the squares we saw the main Arena/Amphitheatre. Built in the 1st century and still hosting big concerts today (photos 1&2)
First church of the day was S. Fermo (photo 3) then onto Juliet's house to see the famous balcony (photo 4)
Next came Plazza dei Signori (photo 5), S. Anastasia church (photo 6) and the Arche Scaligere (photo 7)
We then had a BIG climb up past the roman castle, to Castel S. Pedro for some magnificent views over the city (photo 8)
Back down the hill to the Duomo (photo 9, 10 (old bit) & 11 (new altar))...feet beginning to ache now!
Finally on to Castelvecchio (photo 12 & 13) before a slow walk back to the station and a welcome sit on the train back to Venice (taking the opportunity to write this on the way!)

Loved Verona, loving the sun too and the feet won't be tired after a few glasses of wine tonight!

Island hopping

Today we have done a tour of some of the islands....
1 & 2.....Murano, famous for it's glass.
3 & 4..... Burano, for it's lace and colourful houses and
5.......Torcello, for it's church and bell tower (it doesn't have anything else (literally))
6...... Coolest ambulance ever

And all done in glorious sunshine :-)

Venice

We arrived to lots of water, but rather than the stuff in the canals it was coming from the sky. It didn't stop us exploring but we did get rather wet!
Day 2 brought lovely sunshine and we had a great day seeing the city on foot and by water bus. We had a guide for a couple of hours, giving us lots of information and some of the sights off the beaten track......
The Grand Canal in the rain
One for the many, many churches
The Doges Palace
The Gondola shipyard
St Mark's Square

And so to skiing

This afternoon we had a go at cross country skiing. It is made to look so easy on the TV......but it isn't. Ingrid wouldn't be a natural if she practiced for ever and an hour and 40 mins was way more than enough. Ingrid decided to cut the session a little short in an endeavour to save her back (along with one of the French girls) whilst Pete continued to the bitter end. (Hence Ingrid writing this lying on the sofa, waiting for Pete to return)
Glad we've had a go but think it's the only thing this holiday that Ingrid has decided never to repeat!!!!!
Pete has now returned in one piece and think we'll have a nice warm sauna to try and loosen up before doing the packing, dinner and keeping our fingers crossed that we might get to see the lights on our last night.

See you soon x x

In search of Amethysts

Today is definitely the coldest day to date!
We were taken to the local Amethyst mine by snow mobile sleigh - fun but chilly.
On arrival we had a short lecture about the mine and stones before being allowed to dig ourselves. All the stones are hand mined from the surface, about 300 tonnes a year.
We were allowed to take home what we found, provided you could hold it concealed in one hand!
We did find a few, but nothing of any great size! (Surprise, surprise)

Husky evening

This afternoon/evenings trip was quite eventful.

Firstly, we were the only "guests" which was quite nice and we got off to a good start with our team of 6 huskies being full of energy and giving us an exciting ride through the darkness. We were due a half way stop for hot drinks at a Kota (Lappish wigwam) but just before arriving, our team decided to take a short cut through the thick snow and as a result tried to tip Ingrid out of the sleigh (Pete trying hard (and succeeding) to keep it upright). No damage done, just a face full of snow for Ingrid!!!

After a warming drink, we set off on the return journey but after a short while, came to a very abrupt halt as one of our lead dogs, Konsta, had an epileptic fit!! One of our guides took him back to the husky farm on her snow mobile, whilst we continued, minus a dog! The dogs had to work a bit harder but we made it back and we have been assured that Konsta will be fine after a night's rest.

We've since had a pleasant dinner, a glass or two of wine, a game of cards and will be heading for bed soon if we don't get a "lights" call out.

More snow shoeing

This morning we headed up the mountain on snow shoes. It was rather foggy so whilst we could see our immediate surroundings, there were no long distant views to be had from the top!!!
Our guide today was a French man, Pascal, who now lives over here and was a real character. (See picture below) he told us about how he trained as a guide, including a 10 day stint out in the forest alone in winter. Really knowledgable about the local area and wildlife and was very interesting and amusing to listen to.

Time to return to the hotel and relax (and warm the fingers and toes!) before this afternoon's outing....more of that later!!

More snow mobiling

Yesterday evening's snow mobiling in the dark was awesome. We drove for about 1-1.5 hours, quits eerie at times but exhilarating when speeding along in the dark. We then stopped to warm up and had a very interesting lecture from a local scientist on the Northern Lights. (Now,sort of, understand!)
The return journey was equally enjoyable if a little chilly towards the end!

Today we went on a full day snow mobile safari (10-4) covering about 100km. The scenery was stunning and beautiful and we were treated to a very beautiful sunrise AND sunset.
The temperate seems to be dropping, with about -18 being forecast for Friday. So evenings are pretty chilly! Rather cloudy this evening so not hopeful of seeing the Lights tonight. However, the scientist yesterday thought there was a good chance for Friday (let's hope she's right) so that we can finish the holiday on a high.

Snow Shoeing and Snow mobiling

We enjoyed a lovely evening learning the art of snow shoeing which was (surprisingly) easier than expected. We made it to the top of the mountain where we enjoyed some wonderful views of the area. Unfortunately, despite it being a clear night, there was no sign of the lights....shame.

This morning was a new adventure......snow mobiling.
Pete drove first and we were made our way through the forest and down the frozen river to a reindeer farm where we enjoyed a short reindeer sleigh ride, met some deer and had a very interesting talk/slide show all about reindeer farming.
Ingrid took the controls on the way home and despite a tentative start, thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and is now looking forward to going it alone, this afternoon!!