Venezia

Remember The Italian Job?

Have been anticipating it all month as i wanna see where it all began.

Couldn't believed that the thrill lasted a month after getting the roster. Even better when i realized i could meet up with fellow batchie, Keira in Milan and to travel to Venice together.

As much as i looked forward to meeting dearie Keira, i was still apprehensive about our plans cos of many other factors like different hotels, different preferences and different sets of crew standing in the way for the finalization of our plans.


Back at Milan Duomo again.
Why are all their Churches so grand? Can't help but wonder how the ancient people make it all possible. Just look at the pyramids in Egypt.

First thing when Keira arrived, i drag a reluctant her to climb and check out the Duomo Church interior, which cost 4 euro for the entrance fee.

On the roof top.

Haaa~ "Pretty worth it" was her comment afterwards. But don't think we'll ever spend on that again.

Shopping alongside with the impossibily rich in Milan, one of the fashion capital of the world = *Shiok*

Twice the Shiok-ness when the brand new Ferrari car park along the street ganna fine. Appears that i am not the only sadist, cos i am not the only passer-by gloating.... Haaa~

But we all agree on one thing. If he could afford that Ferrari, it's not like the fine is going to matter.

Venezia, the following day.

Yet again. Really thought i was with some China tour group.

Morning call @ 5am this time.

Sharing everything we have. Including drystores (Job hazaards - all the A/C related lingo).

After a 2 hour long non-stop yakking away on board, we finally reached the touristy city-on-the-waters: Venice.

Getting around on foot and watching longingly at these Gondolas.

Keira, endorsing for the Ice-cream, if you remember the commercial featuring a boy having an ice-cream on a gondola some years ago. Haha~




Woah~

Astonished, i was when it struck me that their mode of transportation on ground is by foot, bicycle or wheelbarrow. Otherwise, their main mode of transport is via speed boats from their front or back door, that i am not sure. Maybe both?

Masks everywhere.

It would have been an useful trip for me if i've got a masquerade party to attend, i would be so spoiled for choices. Unfortunately, i haven got one.

The Grand Canal.

With all the pretties.

Where lots of Ristorante(restaurants) lined the banks and where we had our lunch at one of those. Pricey, but what to do when we want to have the riverside view.

The true-blue 881 "papaya sistas" we are according to Sam, as we share everything from drystores, bags, drinks, room, food as well as the shawl to keep warm. As the famous Hokkien phrase in the song goes, "Ji Lang Ji Buah" a.k.a 一人一半 *Grinz*

For the pass few days, i have been having the same sphagetti ai frutti di mare (aka Seafood pasta) every where i go. This one is a many favoured Tagliatelle though.

Honestly i am not sure if i am just trying out which place has the best seafood pasta, or am i just ignorant cos i simply dunno what other Italian food on the menu is worth a try. =P

Ponte Di Rialto

Completed in the 16th century, this stone brigde on wood piling was built to replace an earlier pontoon bridge that was once the only link between the 2 banks of the Grand Canal.

Finally had my Gelato ice cream in Italy.

Nice hor? Soooo essentially Venice.

I seriously have no idea why lonely planet dubbed it a "highly embarassing" affair to take a gondola ride. Ya, it's a very tourist thing to do but the truth is, the entire Venice is surviving on tourist income and the whole world is coming to sail the city on a gondola! LOL~

The main attraction, Basilica Di San Marco.

And the Piazza San Marco (St Marco Square).

Enclosed on 3 sides by the arcaded buildings of the Procurators, this place was once a showcase for feasts, tournaments, fairs and ceremonies.

It may be fascinating to watch these pigeons chilling out around the square waiting to be fed, or watch as some of the pigeons perch themselves on the shoulders, head or outstretched hands of those feeding them. But it is totally irksome if a flock of them takes flight, intensifying not just the fear of them "langa-ing" into you, but also the fear of ganna-ing any irresponsible dung bomb, anytime.

(Haha, pardon my incurable Singish).

The St Marco area from another view.

And their dustbin. This one is in English and many others in other language. So many Forbiddens.

More sights around the little shops.

Fresh and alive. Cant imagine the pain if ganna clamp by those claws.

Cute Farfallone...

Pasta shopping. She just loves the colourful pasta.

The stretch that looks like New Harbour in Copenhagen. All the colourful short buildings along the river, in this case, the coast.

The gondolas waiting for its passengers.

More with the ultra large group.

Grand Finale. Taking a Gondola.

Being the peak tourist season, the lowest we could get a gondola is at 100 euro for one and 40 mins long.

Off we go, for the oh-so-short ride.

The place which Sir Marco Polo once resided, which is now a performing theatre.

Can't waste this rare opportunity, thus loads of clicking away. =P

863 signature pose. Heh~

OOOOh~ When we sailed by 1 of the hotel's back garden, i made a mental note that i definitely wanna come back here and stay in 1 of these hotels.... *Dreaming away*

Drawing to an end.........

On the croppy waters.

My Dinner and as you can see, i was really starving. But of course i didn't finish it all by myself la.

The night life springing into life just as we gotta make a move, heading back for Milan.

The 7.30pm train bound for Milan. Haiz...

That's it for Venice.

Showing off my favourite buys, fridge magnets.

Buying fridge magnet has become my fetish... OMG...

^.^

Really blessed to have Keira as a companion to see Venice, at least a btachmate, someone who is more than just a 1 flight colleagues. And she never fails to surprise all of us as we get to know her better, the little girl beneath that stern, "i-mean-business" coporate woman countenance ;P

Thanks for the incredible company, girl =)

Looking forward to more, again ....