For a modern hotel with generally good soundproofing, it came as a bit of a shock to have the bass ‘doof-doof’ beat disturbing our last night’s sleep, apparently from a nearby Indian restaurant. Quite why they need to crank up the bass everywhere, so that it resonates through every building and rattles your fillings, I really don’t know. At least the Beatles managed to conquer the world in a more civilised musical fashion. Unfortunately, even industrial ear plugs are no use.
We managed to wake at 6am without the need of the alarm clock so we were down awaiting the dining area opening at 6:30am. A very quick bite before the last of the packing and down to the lobby to check out. We hadn’t used the mini-bar but that meant they still had to despatch someone to check it before we could check out. Can’t trust these foreigners...
The driver was on time and an easy ride to the airport and an easy check in. Dubai airport is massive, but there doesn’t appear to be much until you pass through immigration. It was at this point that my hand baggage search came across the tiny Swiss Army knife on my key-ring... Although the rules have been relaxed in NZ and other countries, it appears that here, they still don’t allow such lethal weapons as nail clippers (when was the last time you heard of someone being held up and threatened with nail clippers?) or tiny knives – but it is still OK to grab a duty free bottle of whatever you fancy, smash of the neck, which does make a lethal weapon. A shame really as that knife was extremely useful – especially the nail scissors – but alas, I lost it and no amount of pleading was going to get it back, so I felt a bit niggly. We walked along to our departure lounge (gate 139) which took about ten minutes and soon came across one or two from our group. All up, I think there are about 50 in the group from the Bruce McLaren trust, en route to Monaco for the Historic GP May 12th/13th.
We waited patiently in the lounge before we were all herded out again, so that we could re-enter and be checked in. Having done that, we then had to board a couple of large buses and be transported to what seemed like Dubai City again, as the trip was about ten minutes and right on the edge of the airport. We climbed the stairs in the baking sun to board the aircraft. By this time we missed our spot and were delayed 20 minutes.
Thankfully the flight wasn’t too bad and we were able to note one of two of our group – most of whom we don’t yet know. The arrival in Venice was fine. Just three lines – two for “others” and one for EEC passport holders. I think that just about everyone was through in about ten minutes – which was a pleasant change from Dubai. Given the choice between the super modern wealthy country airport, with over the top security, and the slightly aged airport with a friendly and speedy procedure, I know which I prefer.
We piled all our luggage onto a series of large trolleys and they were whisked away and we walked the 5 minutes to the water taxi wharf.
If ever there was a way to enter Venice, this would be it! The water taxis we used are not large lumbering barges, but speedboats seating 10 people.
Joy was happy to be in the fresh air (see pic). We had an exhilarating ride across to the city, when they slowed down for a mini canal cruise to our wharf, which just happened to be almost alongside the railway station on the northern part of this amazing city. No road traffic – at all!
Tip for travellers: If you intend staying in Venice, check very carefully the location of your hotel in relation to your arrival spot, as we witnessed several sweaty, wheezy, overweight characters, struggling to lug their cases up steps, over bridges and along cobbled streets.
We were first boat to leave so we dutifully waited for the others – but they never appeared. They must have tied up at an earlier wharf and whilst Mark was sampling the local gelato, the others were checking in. Our hotel was just one minute from the wharf (three minutes from the railway station) – the Hotel Nazionale.
What a contrast from the sterile, modern, Singapore and Dubai hotels! Just a doorway at street level and a flight of stairs to the first floor, at which point the hotel obviously widens above neighbouring businesses. We were allocated room 335 at the rear of the hotel. The room was quite dark, with dark red carpet, dark red regency striped wall covering (cloth, not wallpaper), dark red bed cover and a lighter en-suite, looking out over the rear ‘garden’. We loved it! No pictures on the walls, just a dark red box really, but no traffic - and quiet.
Our luggage arrived OK after a few minutes and we lugged that upstairs, before wandering outside for a mini look around.
We had a meal at a local eatery, but on reflection, it wasn’t a great choice. Spaghetti carbonara and the supplied bread was too stale to eat! No free water – paid for bottle stuff only.
An initial three impressions of Venice: Annoying African bag sellers; masks, masks and more masks; too many smokers.
Early bed – again... At least there were heaps of TV channels. I think it went up to about 245 but only CNN news in English. It was strange seeing Jeremy Clarkson on Top Gear, but with dubbed Italian. Not the same.
I am glad you had an awesome trip. Colorful places! Congratulations for the photos.
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