Venice was the perfect capstone for our voyage around the world. We hit everything from San Marcos Basilica to the Doge’s Palace as this was Jim’s first visit to Venice. Both places had looong lines - my gosh the people! I have never seen such crowds in Venice. It can’t possibly be that crowded all the time. The infamous pigeons of San Marcos square just circled, they didn’t even have room. San Marcos only floods in the wet season – so no problem there. Despite the crowds and the renovations, it is almost impossible not to get caught up in the romance of the labyrinthine streets and canals of Venice. Beautiful mosaics and works of art can be found in almost every little neighborhood church. You can enjoy a plate of pasta and a glass of wine at an outdoor café on the Grand Canal while you take in the amazing and colorful architecture or watch the gondolas and water taxis ferrying people from place to place. Then – all good things must come to an end and sadly it was time to pack for the long flight home. As for this blog, I am really impressed with those of you that hung in for 109 days. You were patient with a first and only time blogger. This tome finally comes to an end – more than to a conclusion. I have no profound thoughts to share except that, for the most part, people are the same around the world and no one, in any country, seems to like their politicians. About the only thing I have to share, after traveling for almost four months, is a few tips for foreign travel - for what they are worth. Admittedly some of these are rather girly tips. First, take lots of small bills, better for tips and haggling. I can’t tell you how many times I saw confrontations related to people trying to get change back from the street vendors after purchasing a souvenir. Exact change saves a lot of grief. Be careful where you exchange money. We looked at the exchange rate at one train station, which was good, but then noticed they had a 23% service fee! On bus tours always sit opposite the bus driver. No matter whether they drive on the right or left hand side of the street, you won’t be shooting pictures across a lane of traffic. If you ever do an extended cruise the “not typical things” which are handy are a mutli- plug outlet, army knife, small notepad, and a hot water appliance. When you decide on the clothes you are absolutely sure you can’t do without – eliminate about a fourth of them. You will still have more than you need. Take a potty break whenever handy, sometimes it can be a long time or long lines in between opportunities. For about 70% of the public potties, packages of Kleenex and hand sanitizer were needed. If you are traveling independently, the ”hop on hop off” day/ two day passes, whether for a “motor coach” in Dubai or Australia or a “water bus” in Venice, was a cheap, easy way to get around. They usually stop pretty close to almost anywhere you want to go. In crowds, keep your hand on your purse or wallet. We made it all the way to Venice before Jim got pick pocketed in a crowd. Take granola bars. They are a quick, easy pick me up between meals – or a good substitute if you prefer not to eat the jellied squid or seaweed one meal. Drink bottled water, cola or beer. In most places the local water is fine but just the change of water did a lot of people in on this trip. In some counties the “bottled water” sold on the street was in used bottles, refilled with local water, with the lid screwed back on tightly. Make sure the water is sealed. Don’t by an expensive souvenir unless you can actually picture it looking good somewhere specific in your home. None of these are new or brilliant, but just some observations that might make foreign “tourist type” travel easier. This has been a fun adventure through many countries and cultures that I never thought I would get a chance to experience. The good news is, anyone who has made it this far in the blog automatically earns a free pass that exempts you from ever having to sit down and pretend an interest in my ““Grand World Tour” scrapbook. I am back and would really like to hear from everyone as I feel really out of the loop!
