Down To The Waterline

The kayaking website says that "some experience is necessary" , but of our party of 11 there weren't many that had been in a kayak before. Nevertheless we took set sail at 10.00am to see Venice from the water, and we soon realised we were in for a tough day negotiating the traffic on the water a well as the wind, narrow canals and parked boats. We had to cross the Grand Canal three times in our 16km trip on the water ; zig- zagging through Venice and seeing the city the way that the old seafarers and traders used to. Out guide was experienced but not overly helpful, and there was no commentary at all so we were left to our own devices to try and guess what we were seeing. It was a warm day but the shadows of the buildings gave us some shade ; but it also highlighted how dirty and smelly the water was in the smaller canals : a very good incentive to not fall in. We had lunch in one of the piazzas after landing in the boats ; a welcome rest to soothe tempers amongst some of the double partners ( well especially the Lloyds) as well as get something to eat. The trip home had less aggravation, but still some tense moments : especially when an Italian frigate was towed past us by two tugs on the Grand Canal. But we eventually made it home safely - our day may have been cut a little short by our guide losing patience with us - and then enjoyed a long shower and beers on the Vita Pugna. Tonight after the final dinner on the boat we aim to hit a jazz club in Venice before we all go our separate ways in the morning.