July 18, 2018

 What a lovely ride today. It was a short distance to Mestre (Venice).  Having a short ride that would give us the afternoon to get the boring stuff done. We left San Dona Di Piave and headed on quiet roads to Mestre (Venice). We are now below sea level by 4 metres!

We cycled along a flat coastal road, on one side was a lagoon that opened out to the sea and on the other side was a canal.  Very quiet and peaceful ride.

As we got closer to Venice I thought the roads would be really busy and chaotic, but they were quiet. At about 10 kms outside of the City we had a cycle lane and followed along a uni-rail tram line. The cars were on the left of the uni-rail and we were on the right side. Ralf had plotted the route along the causeway (the very straight line) and then into the City.

We came into one square where they did not allow you to cycle through. We noticed the locals were pushing their bikes so we followed suit and pushed our bikes.

There are new “tourist” rules in Mestre and Venice. “Walking around the city bare-chested or inadequately dressed; causing willful damage or defacement; sitting in areas not specifically designated for the purpose; sitting in public areas to consume food and drink; dropping litter; the use of bicycles and roller skates and the playing of sports and games that can cause annoyance to others; the use of stereos, radios etc at high volume; feeding the pigeons. There are tourist police that will tell you not to do something and you can be fined!

As we pushed our bikes through the square, we noticed two roadies leaving from a café. Clipped in and about ready to cycle off. The tourist police appeared out of nowhere and told them to push their bikes!! The lady unclipped straight away, the guy was not too keen, but after a talking to, he walked his bike.

We arrived at our massive hostel at 12:30, check-in was 2:00. We were told we could leave our bikes around the back and we went for lunch. We have never stayed in a hostel that has eight floors.

At 1:30 we were allowed to check-in. This is a very modern hostel – it would have been a hotel, but each room has up to 9 beds with showers, and toilets en-suite. There is a kitchen where we can cook and a common area. This is the biggest hostel we have been in, it is very clean, although the kitchen looks like a bombs hit it after 8:00 p.m.

Ralf was checking in and I sat down on a very soft leather couch.  I sank into it and thought I wouldn\’t be able to get up.

This could have been a hotel, if they had finished the ceilings and walls.  It is very unique with industrial finishes. Sea containers used as storage and bars.  Lots of young people but a very good vibe. Today we are sharing a room with a French couple, our room has 6 bunks.

Today we were able to get the washing done (at the hostel) and check out the route to Cinque Terra. It has been difficult to find a safe route across the country. Lots of routes down the west coast and east coast and across the top of the country but none from Venice to Pisa.

For some reason Ralf decided we would take the train across the country. The hostel is close to the train station and we had the time to inquire as to the feasibility of taking a train to La Spezia (Cinque Terra). The fella was really helpful, looking at different routes and the least amount of changes, and trains that would accommodate the bikes. We have saved about five days cycling – and the cost of 5 hotels. We booked the train (E68)! We have five hours in Parma and will be in La Spezia at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

Two full days to enjoy Venice.