Venice,Milan and Zurich

Along the Croatian coast Split,Trogir,Sibenik,Zadar. Old cities,very hot but with great swimming and atmospherene. Ferry for 5 hours from Zadar to Pula very pleasant.Pula not so attractive but an office on the sea front found us a room at 10.30pm in an old ladies house. Huge roman amphitheatre in Pula.

Venice, Italy

Bus to Trieste next morning and modern train for two hours to Venice.Station right next to grand canal. Across bridge and wander alleyways to find the student hotel.A nearby bar has atmosphere,cheap good chilled red wine and a barman who sings along to Beethoven. Splendid. Walked the narrow streets,along canals,past grand buildings and churches on another hot evening. Too hot to sleep well that night but after coffee and croissants we set off to find St Marks square. After walking the narrow alleys the grand square opened out and wow an amazing site.Huge marble square in sun surrounded by grand buildings. Truly amazing.

Train to Milan not so good but cheap. 18euros for 270kms. Huge railway station but we were thrown out of Fawlty Towers type hotel in Milan before finding a good place.

Bus to Zurich delayed 2 hours to get into st gotthard tunnel but great  scenary. Zurich has a techno parade with lots of exotic dress. We buy the most expensive burger king ever. Train to Thalwill and find Alberts friend Oscar. Lovely chat with him and family including month old twins. Chance to use our spanish again with Oscars parents who are from Barcelona

Night at Alberts modern apartment. It has the biggest bedroom we have ever seen and lots of messages directing us to food and the washing machine. There is also a message on the couch saying alberts bed for tomorrow. Zurich boat trip Sunday before meeting Albert in the evening. All shops are closed on a Sunday but we are directed to a coop in the metro which is only shop open  and buy food and drink for boat trip on lake. See a few old buildings in Zurich before meeting Albert at his home.Fantastic evening having dinner with John and Dolores english and catalan who are about to marry at Ravenswood Hall near Ipswich. Stroll outside with a glass of wine and enjoy the view down the lake. Wonderful.

Leave at 6am Monday morning for train to Zurich airport.Swiss air say our seats have been cancelled but they can reinstate. 9.30am and we are flying to Africa.
Big thanks to everyone on UK and Europe who have been so good to us.