As we can’t take the bicycles into Venice we’d arranged to have them serviced at a bike shop in Lido. Stefano the manager there was well on top of things and I’m sure they are in safe hands.

Then we jumped on a ferry to Piazza San Marco and we arrived in “proper” Venice.

It’s an amazing place — bustling waterways, incredible views everywhere, a good honest “patina” on the whole city. At the same time, it’s such an impractical city and without the millions of tourists I can’t believe it would still be viable. So, on the one hand it’s a historical monument of a great naval power, and on the other hand, it’s Disneyland, a creation for tourism.

Fun though.

Jackie and Nigel, friends from Melbourne who are now back in the UK had timed a weekend break in Venice to meet us, and we were able to spend the afternoon wandering around with them, and then again for a lovely meal in the San Marina district, well away from most of the tourist crowds.

Navigating Venice hasn’t got a lot easier with the advent of Google Maps as GPS really struggles in the tall, narrow streets. However, we did prove, yet again, that Tiger has an extraordinary sense of direction as he guided us back and forth within moments of arriving in the city.

Looking forward to another day in Venice tomorrow.