(Sent: Wed, December 31, 2003 9:20 pm)

Hi all, I am now in Venice, the city of canals. It is a very interesting place to visit and wander around the narrow streets and interesting little shops, and the Piazza San Marco is a huge place with lots of Gondolas waiting by the side.

I always thought Venice was built over water, but have since discovered that it is built on 117 small islands, which is why there are so many canals. I even found a park with trees. Travelling is good for dispelling ignorance.

Today at 1pm I am heading off to Wien (Vienna) where I will be celebrating the New Year Austrian style. So it is goodbye to Italy and all of the wonderful people here.

Now, I wonder how much German I remember from school. If only I had listened more in class...

Rob.