From Padua/Padova

Hi Everyone,

We left Venice this afternoon by train for the prosperous little city of Padua (Padova). By today, we were ready to move on. Here's our summary of Venice versus Padua -- kind of like Edmonton versus Calgary! :  )

Venice: "Pinch-me-are-we-really-here?"

Padua: "Where??"

Venice: a "decaying Disneyland" (to quote travel writer Rick Steves) crammed full of tourists.

Padua:  a real city with real people.

Venice: hardly a tree in sight!

Padua: green, with space to breathe.

Venice: EVERYONE speaks English.

Padua: not so much. More stressful as a result, but more adventureous too.

Here's Frank's summary: "After 2 days, Venice makes you want to run away; Padua makes you want to stay!"

Patricia, you are hereby granted rights to say "I told you so!" :  )

Padua has been a university town for 800 years!!!! This is where Galileo Galilei developed his ideas that the earth revolves around the sun, and not vice versa. We went to the university district and watched some brand-new graduates being hazed. This included running a gauntlet of family members and friends and being smacked on the back 'til red. It was weird but fascinating to be gawking at these shenanigins. We will try to figure out how to post a short video.

Had a great dinner in an "osteria" where little English is spoken. It's very discombobulating to not know the rules: do you go up to the bar to order or let them come to you? how come they didn't give us menus? what the HELL does the handwritten menu say?? do we ask for the bill or will they bring it? Still, we communicated enough to have a really great dinner and leave in good graces.

Frank is now snoring beside me: this is my sign to sign off.

Wendy  and Frank XO