Going to Venice, have questions :-p
Sep 7th, 2010, 06:57 PM
#41
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ten shoes was so appealing! what a disappointment to learn it was tennis shoes only ....
how does one travel with less than 10 shoes? (sneakers, high heels, dressy pumps, sandals, flat heel boots, high heel boots, flip-flops, don't forget slippers, cobblestone-friendly shoes, and of course water-friendly-things, if going to Venice ... that's already 18!)
how does one travel with less than 10 shoes? (sneakers, high heels, dressy pumps, sandals, flat heel boots, high heel boots, flip-flops, don't forget slippers, cobblestone-friendly shoes, and of course water-friendly-things, if going to Venice ... that's already 18!)
Sep 7th, 2010, 07:22 PM
#42
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Well, one does not have to take one’s entire wardrobe when travelling. For example, if one does not intend to partake in equestrian pursuits, one may leave one’s riding clothing at Home, including one’s top boots. This may prove a poor choice, of course, as a friendly polo match may offer itself at short notice. I generally take my jodphurs and jacket with me, but would take a solar toupee rather than the more usual bowler hat. Saddlery is a moot point – some people take their own tack, but with my broad circle of friends and acquaintances, I can generally obtain a loan of decent quality equipment, polo mallet and the like.
I am informed that shoes of the best quality are available at many Establishments in Italy, so one need have no fear on that account.
I always take my own guns – a gentleman does not borrow another’s guns or loan his guns. Shells can be bought locally, and are of the Finest quality. I take my own fly case, line and reel, and would have no compunction borrowing a rod. Italian porters can be uncouth – I personally have witnessed a rod case being crushed under the wheels of a baggage trolley. They thought it a laughing matter and I most certainly did not!
I am informed that shoes of the best quality are available at many Establishments in Italy, so one need have no fear on that account.
I always take my own guns – a gentleman does not borrow another’s guns or loan his guns. Shells can be bought locally, and are of the Finest quality. I take my own fly case, line and reel, and would have no compunction borrowing a rod. Italian porters can be uncouth – I personally have witnessed a rod case being crushed under the wheels of a baggage trolley. They thought it a laughing matter and I most certainly did not!
Sep 7th, 2010, 07:38 PM
#43
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On the matter of guns, I generally take the Purdey twelves, a legacy from my grandfather. The mem-sahib likes the little Remington four-ten single barrel gun for smaller game, and it is a nice weight for a lady.
Both shot loaded shells and “swan droppers” have brought fair success. We have tried archery, however we were not able to find any skilled fletchers in Venice, so have discontinued this practice. Arrows seem to be in short supply.
When it is open season on tourists, which extends from late May to early September, an elephant gun is most handy. However, I have also experimented with the Lee-Enfield .303, with a telescopic sight (not really sporting, but needs must) and have had fair Sport. The bag limit for Tourists is ten per diem, and should not be exceeded unless one is shooting in the far northern lagoon. When shooting there, the bag limit is twenty.
Both shot loaded shells and “swan droppers” have brought fair success. We have tried archery, however we were not able to find any skilled fletchers in Venice, so have discontinued this practice. Arrows seem to be in short supply.
When it is open season on tourists, which extends from late May to early September, an elephant gun is most handy. However, I have also experimented with the Lee-Enfield .303, with a telescopic sight (not really sporting, but needs must) and have had fair Sport. The bag limit for Tourists is ten per diem, and should not be exceeded unless one is shooting in the far northern lagoon. When shooting there, the bag limit is twenty.
Sep 7th, 2010, 08:25 PM
#47
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Yes, I gathered. It seems you have steeped yourself in so much Baedeker that there's been some sort of neurochemical mind meld. It's really quite fascinating. Do you think the effects will wear off soon?
Sep 7th, 2010, 08:34 PM
#48
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Sap, I’m not expecting the effect to wear off any time soon. We’re returning to Venice in November, and that may allow some sort of catharsis.
We fly via Dubai, so I’m trying to work up my Lawrence (or is it Laurence) of Arabia persona.
Cheers
Peter - exits stage left, wearing a bed sheet, red checked tea towel and fan belt.
We fly via Dubai, so I’m trying to work up my Lawrence (or is it Laurence) of Arabia persona.
Cheers
Peter - exits stage left, wearing a bed sheet, red checked tea towel and fan belt.
Sep 8th, 2010, 05:04 AM
#50
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>As far as the language is concerned, do brush up on your Latin.<
I thought that that was spoken only in Latin America.
In the many times I have been to Venice, not including the Grand Tour with my tutor, I have found that the natives all speak English although, like the French, they pretend not to.
One must be assertive. Raising the volume of your voice a bit and speaking very slowly will usually cow them into being cooperative.
Bring some chocolate and cigarettes. They are very good substitutes for pocket change as tips.
Be wary of Dynamic Currency Conversion. You must be familiar withe the current exchange rate. When you ask, "How much is that in real money?" the natives are quite likely to quote a figure that is very advantageous to themselves.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.
The best place for staying <i>au courant</i> is the Rialto Bridge.
An excellent guide book, in addition to Baedeker, is "Innocents Abroad" by one Samuel Clemens.
"In a few minutes we swept gracefully out into the Grand Canal, and under the mellow moonlight the Venice of poetry and romance stood revealed. Right from the water's edge rose long lines of stately palaces of marble; gondolas were gliding swiftly hither and thither and disappearing suddenly through unsuspected gates and alleys; ponderous stone bridges threw their shadows athwart the glittering waves. There was life and motion everywhere, and yet everywhere there was a hush, a stealthy sort of stillness, that was suggestive of secret enterprises of bravoes and of lovers;...."
Enjoy your visit.
I thought that that was spoken only in Latin America.
In the many times I have been to Venice, not including the Grand Tour with my tutor, I have found that the natives all speak English although, like the French, they pretend not to.
One must be assertive. Raising the volume of your voice a bit and speaking very slowly will usually cow them into being cooperative.
Bring some chocolate and cigarettes. They are very good substitutes for pocket change as tips.
Be wary of Dynamic Currency Conversion. You must be familiar withe the current exchange rate. When you ask, "How much is that in real money?" the natives are quite likely to quote a figure that is very advantageous to themselves.
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER.
The best place for staying <i>au courant</i> is the Rialto Bridge.
An excellent guide book, in addition to Baedeker, is "Innocents Abroad" by one Samuel Clemens.
"In a few minutes we swept gracefully out into the Grand Canal, and under the mellow moonlight the Venice of poetry and romance stood revealed. Right from the water's edge rose long lines of stately palaces of marble; gondolas were gliding swiftly hither and thither and disappearing suddenly through unsuspected gates and alleys; ponderous stone bridges threw their shadows athwart the glittering waves. There was life and motion everywhere, and yet everywhere there was a hush, a stealthy sort of stillness, that was suggestive of secret enterprises of bravoes and of lovers;...."
Enjoy your visit.
Sep 8th, 2010, 08:08 AM
#52
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"Bring some chocolate and cigarettes. They are very good substitutes for pocket change as tips."
I also heard peanut butter has good bartering value, is it true?
"The best place for staying au courant is the Rialto Bridge." - you think, if I go there and ask: NU? I will get all questions answered?
Speaking of guns... maybe we'll bring a water gun. Can be used to attract a gondolier's attention. Or a flight attendant's
I also heard peanut butter has good bartering value, is it true?
"The best place for staying au courant is the Rialto Bridge." - you think, if I go there and ask: NU? I will get all questions answered?
Speaking of guns... maybe we'll bring a water gun. Can be used to attract a gondolier's attention. Or a flight attendant's
Sep 8th, 2010, 03:45 PM
#53
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One has noted that citizens from the New World assume that plug tobacco, tomahawks and blankets are suitable currency for negotiating purchases with native tribes the world over. Members of the milatary have used nylon stockings as currency in more recent times when dealing with ladies, but this is now declining.
The citizens of Venice will treat such trinkets with distain.
A bag of trade beads may be useful when dealing with the lower orders, but this should not be relied on.
Authorised Trading Merchandise (ATM) is available from devices called Bancomats. A token made of a plastic material, called a Visa card, may be used at these machines. While one’s passport will have a visa stamp in it, do not on any account insert your passport in the Bancomat. The result will be most disappointing.
The citizens of Venice will treat such trinkets with distain.
A bag of trade beads may be useful when dealing with the lower orders, but this should not be relied on.
Authorised Trading Merchandise (ATM) is available from devices called Bancomats. A token made of a plastic material, called a Visa card, may be used at these machines. While one’s passport will have a visa stamp in it, do not on any account insert your passport in the Bancomat. The result will be most disappointing.
Sep 11th, 2010, 05:05 AM
#55
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Margo of the Antipodes (antipodes is derived from the Latin, “anti” meaning under, “podes” meaning feet, an appropriate place for a Colonial, would you agree?), thank you for your kind response.
Maaate is a drink well known in South Efrica, brewed from corn meal and the seeds of the Casuarina tree. I’ve not tasted it ever, and have little intention of doing so. However, to each his – or her – own. Should you be inclined to raise a coconut shell of this disgusting beverage, spare a thought for Neil_Oz (I’m serious now - he was a great guy).
It is a most enormous pleasure, indeed, God’s gift, to be able to give a traveller sound advice regarding the jewel of the Adriatic, la Serenissima, Venezia.
I remain,
Your most humble servant,
Pietro_S_Aus.
Maaate is a drink well known in South Efrica, brewed from corn meal and the seeds of the Casuarina tree. I’ve not tasted it ever, and have little intention of doing so. However, to each his – or her – own. Should you be inclined to raise a coconut shell of this disgusting beverage, spare a thought for Neil_Oz (I’m serious now - he was a great guy).
It is a most enormous pleasure, indeed, God’s gift, to be able to give a traveller sound advice regarding the jewel of the Adriatic, la Serenissima, Venezia.
I remain,
Your most humble servant,
Pietro_S_Aus.
Sep 15th, 2010, 02:30 PM
#56
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A poster said, they spent $100 per person per day on food in Italy. What are they serving there? Gold spoons with gelato? Diamond-sprinkled pizza? Of for americans they ship peanut butter and cheesburgers in gondolas?
Sep 15th, 2010, 02:35 PM
#57
A poster said, they spent $100 per person per day on food in Italy.>>
easily done in Venice particularly if you eat out for every meal:
Breakfast - say a cappucino and a corneto - €5
mid morning coffee €5
lunch - say pizza, beer and fruit €20
mid afternoon gelato €3
early evening aperitif
easily done in Venice particularly if you eat out for every meal:
Breakfast - say a cappucino and a corneto - €5
mid morning coffee €5
lunch - say pizza, beer and fruit €20
mid afternoon gelato €3
early evening aperitif
Sep 15th, 2010, 02:39 PM
#58
oops, cut off way through
to continue:
early evening aperitif €5
3 course dinner and wine €30
brandy/coffee on way home €5
that's €73, which isn't too far off $100, give or take.
and there's no prosecco or bellinis, no coffees in san marco with the orchestras, no high-end dining.
to continue:
early evening aperitif €5
3 course dinner and wine €30
brandy/coffee on way home €5
that's €73, which isn't too far off $100, give or take.
and there's no prosecco or bellinis, no coffees in san marco with the orchestras, no high-end dining.
Sep 15th, 2010, 03:41 PM
#60
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Next time I go to Italy, I’m going with Anne. She obviously has a well developed sense of priorities. Glass of beer with lunch, wine with dinner and a shot of something on the way home.
Yes, excellent priorities.
Yes, excellent priorities.
