Tuesday 16 August
It's the end of day one and everything is going to plan. Bernice obviously figured out we were going to Venice when we joined the queue at the airport but she has no idea that tomorrow we are joining a clipper ship to sail round Italy.
Nor has she any clue that joining us are two other couples, friends that we met on this same voyage six years ago. The fun started at Manchester airport where one of the two couples were travelling on the same plane as us. They had got to the airport before us and when we got to the gate I spotted them skulking around at the back, suitably attired in sunglasses and hats pulled low over their eyes. After an uneventful flight we were bussed to the terminal but I saw no sign of them. I managed a quick hello and a giggle when Bernice had to pay a quick visit but by the time she returned Peter and Gill had melted into the crowd and I never saw them again that day.

The best way to arrive in Venice is, of course, by that most elegant form of transport in the world, the water taxi. But at 120 quid we opted for the water bus which at least enables you to arrive by water. Arriving by land via the long causeway that links Venice to the mainland is quicker but rather naff! We alight within a few yards of our hotel, the Villa Igea, which is itself wonderfully situated just round the corner from St Marks Square.

We looked at the guidebook and chose the restaurant nearest to our hotel. On a terrace at the Hotel Bauer, it has brethtaking views over the end of the Grand Canal towards the Chiesa dells Salute considered by some to be the most beautiful church in the world. If the views are breathtaking, so are the prices! Mains are about 50 quid. But we are here so decide to make the best of it. After a truly memorable meal, including Steamed Sea Bass with truffles and stuffed Zucchini flowers, the bill comes to £150 - just about worth it when compared to the cost of a meal at our local Chinese which only has a view of Weaverham High Street!

We wander back to our hotel, lingering to listen to the orchestras playing in St Marks Square and it's not long before we are tucked up and fast asleep!

Wednesday 17 August
Today was all about joining the clipper ship. After breakfast I suggested we drop off our cases at the (mythical) car hire depot. We got a water bus and got off near where the ship was lying alongside.

Bernice was busy taking care of her case and it was a little time before she noticed the tall masts in the distance. She almost burst into tears when it dawned on her where we were going. I had the camera ready and caught her expression - the boat really does have that effect of people. I (falsely) explained to her that 'the others' couldn't make it, stored our cases then got on another water bus to do a bit of sightseeing.
We managed to get two seats at the back of the waterbus and sat back as we cruised down the Grand Canal taking in famous scenes such as The Rialto Bridge.
We then cruised right round Venice's main island and out to it's near neighbour, Murano. Most famous for glass blowing, we watched as a craftsman expertly knocked out a vase and a prancing horse figurine. We then went for a walk and managed to get lost which is amazing because it's only a small island.

After lunch in a shady trettoria we boarded the water bus to get back to the port. Having retrieved our bags, we walked past the long queue for processing. Bernice failed to notice our four friends (Ronnie, Jean, Peter and Gill) standing in the queue. I realised that Bernice would see them eventually so I led her over and started the reunion. But better for me and Bernice, it was a good excuse to queue jump, shortening the boarding procedures by about half an hour enabling us to get into the ship's bar for a drink!

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