Arriving in Venice

Venice is indeed a city of dreams, of waterways and fading stucco and of decaying grandeur made even more romantic because of its decay. It is here that I am so fortunate to celebrate my birthday.

The train trip from Rome through to Venice of some 3 1/2 hours was a way to see the countryside, with stops through the cities of Florence, Bologna, Padua and then to Venice. You know you have arrived when the green gives way to blue as the train steams across the lagoon which seems to last for miles. Gratefully I was greeted by a staff member of the Hotel Danieli and transported by private water taxi to the hotel itself - a grateful gift received from Steve and Lauren as it ensured I didn't have to navigate italian train stations (crazy places!) and public transport on my own. The water taxi pulled up to its own private entrance and I was escorted in like a Princess - surely Liz Taylor herself couldn't have received a warmer welcome than I.

An aperol spritz in hand I knew I had arrived! Looking out the window I can see the Doge's Palace and the golden statue atop of the Campanile.

Venetian glass chandeliers sparkle above me, a riot of colour and shape which go to offset the gilded ceiling and pillars. Not C words today - but G. G for glorious, glamorous, and for the ubiquitous glass which shines everywhere!