Sunday 7 August 2011

The Veneto (by popular request)

What I love about a proper holiday is the chance to abandon all and just be and whilst I'm equally enjoying a holiday from blogging et al, I was asked to share my Venetian hols by a few people so here goes... . My number one pastime on holiday becomes reading and on this break I thoroughly enjoyed 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbo (thanks to Vix of Vintage Vixen - we did a book swap I think I got the better deal!), 'Girl with a Dragon Tattoo' by of course Stieg Larsson. I cannot believe it has taken me until now to read it. A brilliant book. Our current house guest, my cousin's boyfriend, cracked me up in a best dinner party trump type boast when he said he read the book in Swedish! He does live and work there as does my cousin, hence why he is staying with us. I am disappointed the true title of the book 'The Men who hated Women' was change but aside from that and er not reading it in Swedish, I devoured it. My final read was 'The Beautiful & Damned' by F.Scott Fitzgerald. I decided to reread it and I still think 'Tender is the Night' is my favourite of all his works. I love his dialogue in this book but I did tend to skip read it, probably because I've read it quite a few times.


Mr MDS & the petit garcon enjoyed Keith Richard's Life

The book reading was supplemented by a daily 9am swim in an Olympic sized pool. We were staying at 4 star camp site on the Venetian spit - Venice to the rear the Adriatic to the front. I love a camp site holiday, it is the perfect option with children. The petit garcon was free to cycle, swim and lark about to his hearts content. I also appreciate it is an exceptionally affordable and good value holiday and will do a proper write up of why it is the perfect Make Do vacation when I'm back to blogging properly. We ate al fresco day, noon and night. Observed the 1pm to 3pm siesta, lying down reading books apres lunch and kicked off our heels for an afternoon poolside turn. We went to the beach every morning for an hour or two and generally found an excuse for a spritz (Aperol or Campari one) at every opportunity bar breakfast!

A night in Venice, an evening meal in Treviso and a visit to Burano afforded some culture and sightseeing. My love of Italy is increased ten fold and I particularly love the Veneto - we also enjoyed the most spectacular firework display with live music on the beach at Punto Sabbioni to celebrate 150 years of Italian unification. It was emotional....


Well when in Rome....


The cutest bike for kids

The glorious Grand Canal

The delightful painted houses in Burano


his daily chupa chups!


I am truly a faux Italian. It will be hard not to go again next year but 2012 is the year of the London Olympics and I was very lucky to get quite a few tickets to events, mainly volleyball and water polo. Also the cycling comes past us and generally London will be buzzing if not a bit annoying for travel but a small price to pay really. Plus we thought we do little trips to Norfolk, Suffolk and Kent, have a mini cool Britannia summer fest instead. So, Italy I look back fondly....

18 comments:

  1. Gorgeous!
    I would be most interested in your review of the camp site as plan to go with our 3 sometime.

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  2. Isn't Venice wonderful? We didn't expect to love it so much. Your accommodations look inviting too.

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  3. Sounds like the perfect chill out holiday, I'm glad you've managed to get some tickets for the Olympics especially the volleyball, I can imagine it will be amazing against the backdrop of the horseguard's parade! xx

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  4. I love Italy too. Venice is amazing. Glad you had a great holiday. Xxxx

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  5. I do love Venice, especially staying a little bit away from the centre and travelling in. Sounds a wonderful holiday!

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  6. I'm italian, I'm really happy to know that you have nice days in my coutry!!
    Italy is wonderful!!
    Virgi

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  7. How gorgeous looks like you are having a wonderful time too xx

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  8. Excellent purple dress and travel snaps. I am as always inspired by your exercise regime. How is it going? Cannot believe the Ldn riots- hope you are safe xxx

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  9. What brilliant pictures. No wonder you love Venice so much. My only visit was on a wet December day but it was still beautiful. x

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  10. I haven't been there in years -- you're making me really want to go back!

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  11. Your trip sounds wonderful, and lovely photos! We're getting to the beach in a few weeks, I need to pick up some books, perhaps the Keith Richards on petit garcon's rec?!

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  12. That reminds me of a fab camp we went to a few years ago - Union Lido.
    Lovely pics.
    Just a reminder that the Capsule Wardrobe Contest begins soon.
    Jane X

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  13. Hi my dear-sounds like a fabulous and wonderful vacation, your pictures are splendid and le petit garcon looked like he had a gorgeous time! xxx

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  14. Yes I would like to hear more about the campsite, may make an interesting option to marbs! Great pics xx

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  15. Which camp site did you stay at?! We used to go to the Marina de Venezia every summer when I was a kid, and MFF and I are looking to go back next summer!

    You look so relaxed and beautiful by the way! xx

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  16. Looks like the little one had a great time during this trip.

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