A Beautiful Finale to our Epic Ride Across Europe

Good morning. Good morning. >> Here we go. Good morning. >> Here we go. Good morning. >> Here we go. Good morning. >> How you doing? >> How you doing? >> How you doing? >> Good. >> Good. >> Good. >> Well, close to our last ride, huh? >> Well, close to our last ride, huh? >> Well, close to our last ride, huh? >> Yeah. A couple more days. >> Yeah. A couple more days. >> Yeah. A couple more days. >> Yeah. A couple of nights in Padua to >> Yeah. A couple of nights in Padua to >> Yeah. A couple of nights in Padua to check out the town and also to avoid a check out the town and also to avoid a check out the town and also to avoid a little rain little rain little rain >> and then we're off to Venice and that'll >> and then we're off to Venice and that'll >> and then we're off to Venice and that'll be the end of our riding. It's a cool be the end of our riding. It's a cool be the end of our riding. It's a cool gray morning. uh promises to be rainy as gray morning. uh promises to be rainy as gray morning. uh promises to be rainy as the day goes on, but we should be in the day goes on, but we should be in the day goes on, but we should be in Padua by then. Padua by then. Padua by then. >> The city of Capernicus and Galileo and I >> The city of Capernicus and Galileo and I >> The city of Capernicus and Galileo and I think the first university city, which think the first university city, which think the first university city, which is pretty damn cool. is pretty damn cool. is pretty damn cool. >> That's where they studied. >> That's where they studied. >> That's where they studied. >> Mhm. Yeah. We're going to check out >> Mhm. Yeah. We're going to check out >> Mhm. Yeah. We're going to check out Benza. Vicenza Benza. Vicenza Benza. Vicenza a little bit more on the way out. It's a little bit more on the way out. It's a little bit more on the way out. It's been a beautiful town with another gem been a beautiful town with another gem been a beautiful town with another gem on our trip. on our trip. on our trip. >> That's right. On the old happy trail. >> That's right. On the old happy trail. >> That's right. On the old happy trail. >> Happy trails day. It's this beautiful building here. This It's this beautiful building here. This town is absolutely loaded. It's just town is absolutely loaded. It's just town is absolutely loaded. It's just jam-packed with gorgeous stuff. Look at jam-packed with gorgeous stuff. Look at jam-packed with gorgeous stuff. Look at that. Everywhere.

>> Are those your brakes? >> Are those your brakes? >> It's quiet here on a Monday morning. >> It's quiet here on a Monday morning. >> It's quiet here on a Monday morning. Isn't much happening. Isn't much happening. Isn't much happening. Well, it sure looks different this Well, it sure looks different this Well, it sure looks different this morning than it did last night. Last morning than it did last night. Last morning than it did last night. Last night, this place was just bustling. night, this place was just bustling. night, this place was just bustling. But what a pretty little town square. But what a pretty little town square. But what a pretty little town square. Just outstanding. It's hard to say goodbye to this town. It's hard to say goodbye to this town. This has just been a real treat, a real This has just been a real treat, a real This has just been a real treat, a real surprise. All right, you ready to leave? surprise. All right, you ready to leave? surprise. All right, you ready to leave? >> Yeah, unless you want to do some >> Yeah, unless you want to do some >> Yeah, unless you want to do some shopping. shopping. shopping. >> Shopping? >> Shopping? >> Shopping? >> I guess that's a no. So instead, we >> I guess that's a no. So instead, we >> I guess that's a no. So instead, we pointed our bikes in the direction of pointed our bikes in the direction of pointed our bikes in the direction of Padua and worked our way out of the Padua and worked our way out of the Padua and worked our way out of the city. city. city. >> And this is nice. We got ourselves a >> And this is nice. We got ourselves a >> And this is nice. We got ourselves a dedicated path for a change. It's always dedicated path for a change. It's always dedicated path for a change. It's always a bit of a struggle getting out of these a bit of a struggle getting out of these a bit of a struggle getting out of these cities. I try to go really slow because, cities. I try to go really slow because, cities. I try to go really slow because, you know, Kimoot takes a minute to catch you know, Kimoot takes a minute to catch you know, Kimoot takes a minute to catch up to where you are depending on your up to where you are depending on your up to where you are depending on your cell phone service or your GPS service cell phone service or your GPS service cell phone service or your GPS service or whatever that is. Lovely city and or whatever that is. Lovely city and or whatever that is. Lovely city and it's lovely coming out of it, too. It's it's lovely coming out of it, too. It's it's lovely coming out of it, too. It's pretty anxious to see what kind of a day pretty anxious to see what kind of a day pretty anxious to see what kind of a day we're going to have.

we're going to have. we're going to have. >> Pretty little open area. You don't get >> Pretty little open area. You don't get >> Pretty little open area. You don't get too many of these in this stretch of too many of these in this stretch of too many of these in this stretch of Italy where you don't see apartments or Italy where you don't see apartments or Italy where you don't see apartments or industry, that sort of thing. It's true much of our morning's ride was It's true much of our morning's ride was dealing with some congestion, but dealing with some congestion, but dealing with some congestion, but eventually the population gave way to eventually the population gave way to eventually the population gave way to open fields and smaller villages, and a open fields and smaller villages, and a open fields and smaller villages, and a very pleasant ride ensued. There's one very pleasant ride ensued. There's one very pleasant ride ensued. There's one of your dollar houses, baby. of your dollar houses, baby. of your dollar houses, baby. >> All you need are windows. You just do >> All you need are windows. You just do >> All you need are windows. You just do one floor at a time. one floor at a time. one floor at a time. >> Villages all across Italy have been >> Villages all across Italy have been >> Villages all across Italy have been selling off properties for €1 to address selling off properties for €1 to address selling off properties for €1 to address depopulation, an idea that piqued depopulation, an idea that piqued depopulation, an idea that piqued Juliana's interest in a big way. Juliana's interest in a big way. Juliana's interest in a big way. Yeah, I had a really rough night of Yeah, I had a really rough night of Yeah, I had a really rough night of sleep last night. I couldn't get to sleep last night. I couldn't get to sleep last night. I couldn't get to sleep. Then at 4:16, sleep. Then at 4:16, sleep. Then at 4:16, the bells started ringing. 4:16 a.m. the bells started ringing. 4:16 a.m. the bells started ringing. 4:16 a.m. bells were just going nuts. And then bells were just going nuts. And then bells were just going nuts. And then 5:45 they rang again for like 5 minutes. 5:45 they rang again for like 5 minutes. 5:45 they rang again for like 5 minutes. Loud enough to wake everyone up, which Loud enough to wake everyone up, which Loud enough to wake everyone up, which is crazy. And somehow a mosquito got is crazy. And somehow a mosquito got is crazy. And somehow a mosquito got into the room. It was feeding on me all into the room. It was feeding on me all into the room. It was feeding on me all night. But um I'm doing all right.

night. But um I'm doing all right. night. But um I'm doing all right. Really loving the cycle path this Really loving the cycle path this Really loving the cycle path this morning. It's been giving us almost a morning. It's been giving us almost a morning. It's been giving us almost a completely trafficfree route on our way completely trafficfree route on our way completely trafficfree route on our way to Padawa. With few exceptions, the rest to Padawa. With few exceptions, the rest to Padawa. With few exceptions, the rest of our ride into Padua was on pleasant of our ride into Padua was on pleasant of our ride into Padua was on pleasant gravel tracks, taking us into peaceful gravel tracks, taking us into peaceful gravel tracks, taking us into peaceful autumn tinged farmland and lovely rustic autumn tinged farmland and lovely rustic autumn tinged farmland and lovely rustic villages. villages. villages. >> Loving this route, though. This has just >> Loving this route, though. This has just >> Loving this route, though. This has just been really, really pretty today. Highly been really, really pretty today. Highly been really, really pretty today. Highly recommend it. That is one slender tower recommend it. That is one slender tower recommend it. That is one slender tower right there. We saw many of these right there. We saw many of these right there. We saw many of these compani slender straight church towers compani slender straight church towers compani slender straight church towers built tall enough for their bells to be built tall enough for their bells to be built tall enough for their bells to be heard for miles across this flat plane. So even though this whole ride is very So even though this whole ride is very flat, flat, flat, you can see mountains kind of on all you can see mountains kind of on all you can see mountains kind of on all sides through the mist. Something brand new for us. Nice and Something brand new for us. Nice and smooth after all that gravel. That feels smooth after all that gravel. That feels smooth after all that gravel. That feels pretty nice. picking up just the tiniest pretty nice. picking up just the tiniest pretty nice. picking up just the tiniest bit of grease up here.

bit of grease up here. bit of grease up here. >> I'm going to put my rain jacket on. >> I'm going to put my rain jacket on. >> I'm going to put my rain jacket on. >> Let me just do it here. There's your dollar house over to the There's your dollar house over to the left. Few bricks, couple of throw left. Few bricks, couple of throw left. Few bricks, couple of throw pillows. Place would look just like pillows. Place would look just like pillows. Place would look just like home. Some usable material there. some home. Some usable material there. some home. Some usable material there. some tiles and stuff. Kind of veer right tiles and stuff. Kind of veer right tiles and stuff. Kind of veer right here. Path's getting a little rougher, but Path's getting a little rougher, but just a lovely ride. Really nice.

Oh, there's a peacock down there. Well, Oh, there's a peacock down there. Well, that's a surprise. There he is. that's a surprise. There he is. that's a surprise. There he is. >> Oh, hi, baby. Oh, look at you. Nice little setup for a cheese shop. Nice little setup for a cheese shop. >> Oh, >> Oh, >> Oh, >> you going to get truffle? >> you going to get truffle? >> you going to get truffle? >> Yeah, I'd love some truffle cheese. >> Yeah, I'd love some truffle cheese. >> Yeah, I'd love some truffle cheese. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Cheese. towers, these bell towers are everywhere towers, these bell towers are everywhere through. We continued on along the gravel path We continued on along the gravel path under the thin gray October sky, through under the thin gray October sky, through under the thin gray October sky, through scenes that seemed too rustic and quaint scenes that seemed too rustic and quaint scenes that seemed too rustic and quaint to belong to present times. to belong to present times. to belong to present times. The history of this place seems too vast The history of this place seems too vast The history of this place seems too vast to even begin to comprehend. How long to even begin to comprehend. How long to even begin to comprehend. How long have these buildings stood here? How have these buildings stood here? How have these buildings stood here? How many eyes have witnessed the changes in many eyes have witnessed the changes in many eyes have witnessed the changes in this landscape?

this landscape? this landscape? >> Isn't that charming? >> Isn't that charming? >> Isn't that charming? >> Your own little castle Cabbages, lettuce, leaks, potatoes, Cabbages, lettuce, leaks, potatoes, tomatoes. What a lovely life. We've been following the Bach Giulion We've been following the Bach Giulion River and we passed back and forth River and we passed back and forth River and we passed back and forth between fields and wetlands before between fields and wetlands before between fields and wetlands before reaching the outskirts of Padua. >> And quite suddenly we seem to be in >> And quite suddenly we seem to be in Padua.

It took no time for the city's less than It took no time for the city's less than desirable cycling paths to wear down our desirable cycling paths to wear down our desirable cycling paths to wear down our mood. mood. mood. >> Really some god-awful bicycle >> Really some god-awful bicycle >> Really some god-awful bicycle infrastructure here coming into Padua. I infrastructure here coming into Padua. I infrastructure here coming into Padua. I mean, there's lanes, but it's all mean, there's lanes, but it's all mean, there's lanes, but it's all potholes and root buckles and switching potholes and root buckles and switching potholes and root buckles and switching sides of the street against busy busy sides of the street against busy busy sides of the street against busy busy traffic. Uh, it's just it's just no fun. traffic. Uh, it's just it's just no fun. traffic. Uh, it's just it's just no fun. No fun at all. Finally, out of that No fun at all. Finally, out of that No fun at all. Finally, out of that tangle of uh horrible bike lanes, we got a street made out of river rocks we got a street made out of river rocks here, Oldtown Pacua. Soon we reached the heart of the city Soon we reached the heart of the city and our stay for the next couple of and our stay for the next couple of and our stay for the next couple of nights. nights. nights. By the time we showered and settled in, By the time we showered and settled in, By the time we showered and settled in, a cold rain was falling and we spent the a cold rain was falling and we spent the a cold rain was falling and we spent the afternoon exploring and yes, shopping. afternoon exploring and yes, shopping. afternoon exploring and yes, shopping. >> Shopping. What else do you do on a rainy >> Shopping. What else do you do on a rainy >> Shopping. What else do you do on a rainy day but shop?

day but shop? day but shop? >> Problem is now I have to carry it. >> Problem is now I have to carry it. >> Problem is now I have to carry it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So you wait till the end of the trip. >> So you wait till the end of the trip. >> So you wait till the end of the trip. >> Yeah, exactly. One more ride. >> Yeah, exactly. One more ride. >> Yeah, exactly. One more ride. >> Stronger and suler as much. Yes. >> Stronger and suler as much. Yes. >> Stronger and suler as much. Yes. >> By some accounts, this city is over >> By some accounts, this city is over >> By some accounts, this city is over 3,000 years old, assimilating into the 3,000 years old, assimilating into the 3,000 years old, assimilating into the Roman Republic in the 2n century BC. Roman Republic in the 2n century BC. Roman Republic in the 2n century BC. The astronomical clock of Padua is from The astronomical clock of Padua is from The astronomical clock of Padua is from the 13th century, and the lion of St. the 13th century, and the lion of St. the 13th century, and the lion of St. Mark is a symbol of the most serene Mark is a symbol of the most serene Mark is a symbol of the most serene Republic of Venice, which Padua was part Republic of Venice, which Padua was part Republic of Venice, which Padua was part of until early 1800. of until early 1800. of until early 1800. We were delighted in the sights, dodging We were delighted in the sights, dodging We were delighted in the sights, dodging the rain beneath the city's many lodg the rain beneath the city's many lodg the rain beneath the city's many lodg for some of the outdoor markets. for some of the outdoor markets. for some of the outdoor markets. The University of Padua, founded in The University of Padua, founded in The University of Padua, founded in 1222, is where Galileo and Capernicus 1222, is where Galileo and Capernicus 1222, is where Galileo and Capernicus studied and taught and which today studied and taught and which today studied and taught and which today boasts over 70,000 students.

We were lucky enough to be there during We were lucky enough to be there during some ceremony or another with many of some ceremony or another with many of some ceremony or another with many of the students sporting laurel wreaths, the students sporting laurel wreaths, the students sporting laurel wreaths, the origin of the term laurate. Padua proved itself to be a delightful Padua proved itself to be a delightful find on our final push to the Adriatic. find on our final push to the Adriatic. find on our final push to the Adriatic. >> Goodbye from Albergo Verde here in >> Goodbye from Albergo Verde here in >> Goodbye from Albergo Verde here in Padua. The 10:00 bells are ringing. Padua. The 10:00 bells are ringing. Padua. The 10:00 bells are ringing. >> Time to go. >> Time to go. >> Time to go. >> It's time to go. >> It's time to go. >> It's time to go. >> See you in Venice. >> See you in Venice. >> See you in Venice. >> Cheers. >> Cheers. >> Cheers. >> As we set out on Padua's cobbled >> As we set out on Padua's cobbled >> As we set out on Padua's cobbled streets, we were only too aware that streets, we were only too aware that streets, we were only too aware that today's ride would be our last on this today's ride would be our last on this today's ride would be our last on this epic journey across Europe. And it's epic journey across Europe. And it's epic journey across Europe. And it's hard to say if we were more overcome hard to say if we were more overcome hard to say if we were more overcome with the grief of our journeys end or with the grief of our journeys end or with the grief of our journeys end or simply with sheer exhaustion. I suppose simply with sheer exhaustion. I suppose simply with sheer exhaustion. I suppose it was a combination of the two. It's a it was a combination of the two. It's a it was a combination of the two. It's a rainy ride out of Padua. Well, light rainy ride out of Padua. Well, light rainy ride out of Padua. Well, light rain, just kind of a misty rain to get rain, just kind of a misty rain to get rain, just kind of a misty rain to get the umbrellas out. Gray seems the umbrellas out. Gray seems the umbrellas out. Gray seems appropriate. We've spent an inordinate appropriate. We've spent an inordinate appropriate. We've spent an inordinate amount of time on this trip under gray amount of time on this trip under gray amount of time on this trip under gray skies.

I think we're out of the main part of I think we're out of the main part of the city now. That was total chaos the city now. That was total chaos the city now. That was total chaos coming out of Padua. Just uh pedestrians coming out of Padua. Just uh pedestrians coming out of Padua. Just uh pedestrians and cars and bicycles all vying for the and cars and bicycles all vying for the and cars and bicycles all vying for the same space. No real structure to it at same space. No real structure to it at same space. No real structure to it at all. all. all. Kind of a choppy little bike path. Kind of a choppy little bike path. Kind of a choppy little bike path. Weren't really expecting rain. Adds a Weren't really expecting rain. Adds a Weren't really expecting rain. Adds a little bit of interest to our last ride. little bit of interest to our last ride. little bit of interest to our last ride. We've got a short ride into Venice. We've got a short ride into Venice. We've got a short ride into Venice. That's the the end of our trip. We made That's the the end of our trip. We made That's the the end of our trip. We made it to the end with some starts and it to the end with some starts and it to the end with some starts and stops. Pretty awesome. >> Almost done. >> Almost done. >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> Yeah, >> we've done it again, baby. >> we've done it again, baby. >> we've done it again, baby. >> Yep. Another one bites the dust. >> Yep. Another one bites the dust. >> Yep. Another one bites the dust. >> That's right. >> Still a little fog left over from the >> Still a little fog left over from the early morning. Uh we got to go left early morning. Uh we got to go left early morning. Uh we got to go left here. All right. So, the road's closed here. All right. So, the road's closed here. All right. So, the road's closed here at this factory. I don't know how here at this factory. I don't know how here at this factory. I don't know how the hell we're going to get around this.

All right. I think we figured out a way All right. I think we figured out a way around it here. They'll give you a lot around it here. They'll give you a lot around it here. They'll give you a lot of warning. Get a lot of these where the of warning. Get a lot of these where the of warning. Get a lot of these where the trails just closed and it's like, yeah, trails just closed and it's like, yeah, trails just closed and it's like, yeah, figure it out. Figure it out. Yeah. That figure it out. Figure it out. Yeah. That figure it out. Figure it out. Yeah. That stretch through Padawa. Probably the stretch through Padawa. Probably the stretch through Padawa. Probably the worst bit of cycling we've done on our worst bit of cycling we've done on our worst bit of cycling we've done on our entire trip, wouldn't you say? Yeah, entire trip, wouldn't you say? Yeah, entire trip, wouldn't you say? Yeah, that was uh definitely the busiest city, that was uh definitely the busiest city, that was uh definitely the busiest city, but you know, people were very but you know, people were very but you know, people were very considerate and patient. We didn't get considerate and patient. We didn't get considerate and patient. We didn't get one hump. one hump. one hump. >> Yeah. No, that's true. Everyone just >> Yeah. No, that's true. Everyone just >> Yeah. No, that's true. Everyone just kind of goes into this flow. kind of goes into this flow. kind of goes into this flow. >> But if you just flow with it, it's >> But if you just flow with it, it's >> But if you just flow with it, it's doable. Just can't lose your confidence. doable. Just can't lose your confidence. doable. Just can't lose your confidence. >> But the bike paths and everything is >> But the bike paths and everything is >> But the bike paths and everything is just it's a mess. It's a real mess. Once just it's a mess. It's a real mess. Once just it's a mess. It's a real mess. Once we left the confusion of the city, we we left the confusion of the city, we we left the confusion of the city, we found ourselves following the Navilio found ourselves following the Navilio found ourselves following the Navilio Brena, a river wellchanneled for Brena, a river wellchanneled for Brena, a river wellchanneled for centuries through an area known as the centuries through an area known as the centuries through an area known as the Brenta Riviera. Here was the first of Brenta Riviera. Here was the first of Brenta Riviera. Here was the first of many palatial summer estates we passed. many palatial summer estates we passed. many palatial summer estates we passed. Built for the wealthy and privileged Built for the wealthy and privileged Built for the wealthy and privileged class of the old Venetian Republic class of the old Venetian Republic class of the old Venetian Republic between the 15th and 18th centuries.

between the 15th and 18th centuries. between the 15th and 18th centuries. Designed by architects such as Padio, Designed by architects such as Padio, Designed by architects such as Padio, Scamosi, and others. Scamosi, and others. Scamosi, and others. Following some kind of canal, I guess. Following some kind of canal, I guess. Following some kind of canal, I guess. Very misty, little foggy. Got bike paths Very misty, little foggy. Got bike paths Very misty, little foggy. Got bike paths on both sides. Kind of a monotonous, on both sides. Kind of a monotonous, on both sides. Kind of a monotonous, otherworldly kind of landscape today. otherworldly kind of landscape today. otherworldly kind of landscape today. There's your dollar house. There's your dollar house. There's your dollar house. >> While I think a joke is made funnier >> While I think a joke is made funnier >> While I think a joke is made funnier with each retelling, I sometimes wonder with each retelling, I sometimes wonder with each retelling, I sometimes wonder if Juliana agrees. Today's ride was a jumble of quiet Today's ride was a jumble of quiet roads, weaving this way and that, roads, weaving this way and that, roads, weaving this way and that, usually alongside canals and waterways, usually alongside canals and waterways, usually alongside canals and waterways, occasionally dumping us out onto some occasionally dumping us out onto some occasionally dumping us out onto some highway for a while before returning us highway for a while before returning us highway for a while before returning us to a quieter line, to a quieter line, to a quieter line, >> San Petro. >> San Petro. >> San Petro. >> Often some fabulous Venetian villa would >> Often some fabulous Venetian villa would >> Often some fabulous Venetian villa would appear out of nowhere, traffic cruising appear out of nowhere, traffic cruising appear out of nowhere, traffic cruising past as if it were the most ordinary past as if it were the most ordinary past as if it were the most ordinary sight in the world.

This had been a long ride. We were now This had been a long ride. We were now nearly 1300 m into our travels. 1300 m nearly 1300 m into our travels. 1300 m nearly 1300 m into our travels. 1300 m of bucolic European scenery, of castles of bucolic European scenery, of castles of bucolic European scenery, of castles and cathedrals, of vineyards and and cathedrals, of vineyards and and cathedrals, of vineyards and orchards and fields of flowers. orchards and fields of flowers. orchards and fields of flowers. 1300 m of postcard perfect villages and 1300 m of postcard perfect villages and 1300 m of postcard perfect villages and opulent and ancient cities. opulent and ancient cities. opulent and ancient cities. Now, despite the grandeur of the Now, despite the grandeur of the Now, despite the grandeur of the magnificent estates we were riding past, magnificent estates we were riding past, magnificent estates we were riding past, the land felt drained of color. the land felt drained of color. the land felt drained of color. >> Left and then right, >> Left and then right, >> Left and then right, >> and we could feel the slow fade of the >> and we could feel the slow fade of the >> and we could feel the slow fade of the magic of our journey, replaced by the magic of our journey, replaced by the magic of our journey, replaced by the pull of the comforts of our own home. pull of the comforts of our own home. pull of the comforts of our own home. >> All these villas have names and are >> All these villas have names and are >> All these villas have names and are recognized by some government signage. recognized by some government signage. recognized by some government signage. Who knows what they represent, what Who knows what they represent, what Who knows what they represent, what their history is. Pretty grand places, their history is. Pretty grand places, their history is. Pretty grand places, though.

Look at this old place. Look at this old place. Wow. Fabulous. It's all uh boarded up it Wow. Fabulous. It's all uh boarded up it Wow. Fabulous. It's all uh boarded up it looks like. Well, not all. Maybe. I looks like. Well, not all. Maybe. I looks like. Well, not all. Maybe. I don't know. Like I say, it's just all canals here. Like I say, it's just all canals here. Following canals, crossing canals. It's Following canals, crossing canals. It's Following canals, crossing canals. It's kind of like where we started out in uh kind of like where we started out in uh kind of like where we started out in uh Holland. Holland. Holland. It was all canals there, too. Kind of It was all canals there, too. Kind of It was all canals there, too. Kind of reminiscent in a certain way. Most of this ride has been very Most of this ride has been very pleasant, very pretty, but a lot of pleasant, very pretty, but a lot of pleasant, very pretty, but a lot of traffic and they're coming damn close a traffic and they're coming damn close a traffic and they're coming damn close a lot of the times and the roads are very lot of the times and the roads are very lot of the times and the roads are very full of potholes. It's pretty very rough full of potholes. It's pretty very rough full of potholes. It's pretty very rough ride uh all told, but you know, like I ride uh all told, but you know, like I ride uh all told, but you know, like I say, it is pretty going through these say, it is pretty going through these say, it is pretty going through these villages and these towns, but it's just villages and these towns, but it's just villages and these towns, but it's just constant constant constant constant traffic.

We were riding into the city of Mestra, We were riding into the city of Mestra, a burrow just to the northwest of a burrow just to the northwest of a burrow just to the northwest of Venice, where we would ride the bridge Venice, where we would ride the bridge Venice, where we would ride the bridge across the Venice Lagoon and officially across the Venice Lagoon and officially across the Venice Lagoon and officially complete our ride. As we approached the city, we found As we approached the city, we found ourselves riding through graffiti ourselves riding through graffiti ourselves riding through graffiti tunnels and drab streets, but on a tunnels and drab streets, but on a tunnels and drab streets, but on a surprisingly decent bike path. Almost to Venice. Almost to Venice. Almost at the end of this beautiful Almost at the end of this beautiful Almost at the end of this beautiful journey. Just outside of Venice now. Real Just outside of Venice now. Real crowded, real industrial, but it crowded, real industrial, but it crowded, real industrial, but it shouldn't be very long. Very close to shouldn't be very long. Very close to shouldn't be very long. Very close to the bridge into Venice. Kind of looking the bridge into Venice. Kind of looking the bridge into Venice. Kind of looking for a restaurant. Would love to stop and for a restaurant. Would love to stop and for a restaurant. Would love to stop and grab something to eat, which is really grab something to eat, which is really grab something to eat, which is really hard to find anything. It's all kind of hard to find anything. It's all kind of hard to find anything. It's all kind of shipyards and industrial and stuff.

shipyards and industrial and stuff. shipyards and industrial and stuff. But, uh, this is a pretty little trail But, uh, this is a pretty little trail But, uh, this is a pretty little trail here. Just passed the sign for Venia. Just passed the sign for Venia. Just getting ready to come over the Just getting ready to come over the Just getting ready to come over the bridge. Get over to Venice. This is bridge. Get over to Venice. This is bridge. Get over to Venice. This is exciting. exciting. exciting. We rode many long hard days for this. We rode many long hard days for this. We rode many long hard days for this. Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Here it is. Here it is. Here it is. Check it out. Check it out. Check it out. The bridge to Venice. Woo! Woo! Yeah! Here we are. We made it across the Yeah! Here we are. We made it across the Yeah! Here we are. We made it across the continent. Very long bridge over the uh Venice Very long bridge over the uh Venice Lagoon. Goes like a couple of miles, I Lagoon. Goes like a couple of miles, I Lagoon. Goes like a couple of miles, I guess. Still can't see the end. guess. Still can't see the end. guess. Still can't see the end. This is how you get there. On the other This is how you get there. On the other This is how you get there. On the other end is the beachy park where we park our end is the beachy park where we park our end is the beachy park where we park our bikes for four days while we enjoy the bikes for four days while we enjoy the bikes for four days while we enjoy the beautiful streets and canals of Venice.

beautiful streets and canals of Venice. beautiful streets and canals of Venice. Here we got a nice uh pretty little Here we got a nice uh pretty little Here we got a nice uh pretty little boardwalk to finish up our ride into boardwalk to finish up our ride into boardwalk to finish up our ride into town. town. town. >> Coming into Venice and let's see it. >> Coming into Venice and let's see it. >> Coming into Venice and let's see it. Yeah, we have arrived. Yeah, we have arrived. Yeah, we have arrived. Once we reached the island, the bike Once we reached the island, the bike Once we reached the island, the bike path suddenly petered out and we were path suddenly petered out and we were path suddenly petered out and we were competing for space with pedestrians on competing for space with pedestrians on competing for space with pedestrians on sidewalks until we reached the sign for sidewalks until we reached the sign for sidewalks until we reached the sign for the beachy park where we'd reserved bike the beachy park where we'd reserved bike the beachy park where we'd reserved bike lockers for our gear. lockers for our gear. lockers for our gear. >> There's our park. >> There's our park. >> There's our park. >> As it happens, Venice doesn't allow >> As it happens, Venice doesn't allow >> As it happens, Venice doesn't allow bicycles on any of its streets, and bicycles on any of its streets, and bicycles on any of its streets, and that's probably for the best. that's probably for the best. that's probably for the best. >> Here we go into the uh parking garage. Yes, indeed. Okay, one bike per box. Yes, indeed. Okay, one bike per box. >> Do you have a number? >> Do you have a number? >> Do you have a number? >> Uh, I don't know what I got. I got to >> Uh, I don't know what I got. I got to >> Uh, I don't know what I got. I got to look at it. look at it. look at it. >> All right, so here we are at the beachy >> All right, so here we are at the beachy >> All right, so here we are at the beachy park. park. park. >> Got bikes in the boxes. >> Got bikes in the boxes. >> Got bikes in the boxes. >> Bikes in the boxes. That's ours. 68 and >> Bikes in the boxes. That's ours. 68 and >> Bikes in the boxes. That's ours. 68 and 67. Got to hold on to that receipt that 67. Got to hold on to that receipt that 67. Got to hold on to that receipt that we can make sure and get it. And now we we can make sure and get it. And now we we can make sure and get it. And now we got to figure out how to get all of our got to figure out how to get all of our got to figure out how to get all of our luggage. That's a fair amount of purs uh luggage. That's a fair amount of purs uh luggage. That's a fair amount of purs uh Venice. Okay, Venice. Okay, Venice. Okay, >> we made it to Venice. Now we are trying >> we made it to Venice. Now we are trying >> we made it to Venice. Now we are trying to find a water taxi to take us to our to find a water taxi to take us to our to find a water taxi to take us to our hotel.

hotel. hotel. >> Victor and Nadia had agreed to meet us >> Victor and Nadia had agreed to meet us >> Victor and Nadia had agreed to meet us in Venice for a few days, a reunion of in Venice for a few days, a reunion of in Venice for a few days, a reunion of sorts since they'd already joined us at sorts since they'd already joined us at sorts since they'd already joined us at the outset of the trip, riding with us the outset of the trip, riding with us the outset of the trip, riding with us from Amsterdam through Belgium and into from Amsterdam through Belgium and into from Amsterdam through Belgium and into Germany. All right, the gang is back Germany. All right, the gang is back Germany. All right, the gang is back together together together here in Venice. A nice gray day in here in Venice. A nice gray day in here in Venice. A nice gray day in Venitzia. If you've been following our journey, it If you've been following our journey, it should come as no great surprise that should come as no great surprise that should come as no great surprise that here in the sunniest of sunny European here in the sunniest of sunny European here in the sunniest of sunny European cities, we should encounter yet another cities, we should encounter yet another cities, we should encounter yet another cold and rainy day. Yet how delightful to watch the tourists Yet how delightful to watch the tourists with their colorful umbrellas, to enjoy with their colorful umbrellas, to enjoy with their colorful umbrellas, to enjoy the city with its wet streets, and to the city with its wet streets, and to the city with its wet streets, and to know that we didn't even have to ride in know that we didn't even have to ride in know that we didn't even have to ride in it. Small pleasures for sure.

>> Venice is a victim of its own success. >> Venice is a victim of its own success. In the last 50 years, tourism by some In the last 50 years, tourism by some In the last 50 years, tourism by some estimates has increased 10fold and the estimates has increased 10fold and the estimates has increased 10fold and the permanent population is now less than a permanent population is now less than a permanent population is now less than a third of what it was. third of what it was. third of what it was. A city I remember as somewhat worn and A city I remember as somewhat worn and A city I remember as somewhat worn and weathered is now a polished bobble. More weathered is now a polished bobble. More weathered is now a polished bobble. More clean and beautiful now, but certainly clean and beautiful now, but certainly clean and beautiful now, but certainly lacking some of its earlier lacking some of its earlier lacking some of its earlier authenticity. authenticity. authenticity. But without a doubt, it still is an But without a doubt, it still is an But without a doubt, it still is an absolutely magical place, a magnificent absolutely magical place, a magnificent absolutely magical place, a magnificent maze of canals and narrow alleys and maze of canals and narrow alleys and maze of canals and narrow alleys and palaces that charm at every turn. palaces that charm at every turn. palaces that charm at every turn. St. Mark's Square is a grand and opulent St. Mark's Square is a grand and opulent St. Mark's Square is a grand and opulent testament to the glory of the Venetian testament to the glory of the Venetian testament to the glory of the Venetian Empire. a major maritime republic that Empire. a major maritime republic that Empire. a major maritime republic that encompassed the Adriatic down to the encompassed the Adriatic down to the encompassed the Adriatic down to the Greek islands and up into northeastern Greek islands and up into northeastern Greek islands and up into northeastern Italy. Italy. Italy. It lasted no less than 1100 years until It lasted no less than 1100 years until It lasted no less than 1100 years until it was finally brought down by Napoleon. it was finally brought down by Napoleon. it was finally brought down by Napoleon. This was simply its capital.

We spent one of our days here taking a We spent one of our days here taking a vaperto through the Venetian lagoon to vaperto through the Venetian lagoon to vaperto through the Venetian lagoon to the island of Barano, a town that looks the island of Barano, a town that looks the island of Barano, a town that looks more like an abstract expressionist's more like an abstract expressionist's more like an abstract expressionist's pallet than a 16th century village. We wandered the narrow streets, taking We wandered the narrow streets, taking it all in. How a place like this can it all in. How a place like this can it all in. How a place like this can keep up its colorful profile over keep up its colorful profile over keep up its colorful profile over centuries is beyond me. centuries is beyond me. centuries is beyond me. I wonder if the locals know how many I wonder if the locals know how many I wonder if the locals know how many pictures every day are taken of the pictures every day are taken of the pictures every day are taken of the clothes they leave out on the line to clothes they leave out on the line to clothes they leave out on the line to dry. Like Venice itself, Verano suffers a bit Like Venice itself, Verano suffers a bit from knowing just how beautiful it is, from knowing just how beautiful it is, from knowing just how beautiful it is, and the tourist vibe is strong here.

and the tourist vibe is strong here. and the tourist vibe is strong here. But again, the sheer beauty and magic of But again, the sheer beauty and magic of But again, the sheer beauty and magic of this place can't help but wash over you. The similar sounding village of Morirano The similar sounding village of Morirano has been a factory town since 1291 when has been a factory town since 1291 when has been a factory town since 1291 when the Republic opted to move all the glass the Republic opted to move all the glass the Republic opted to move all the glass furnaces across the lagoon to avoid the furnaces across the lagoon to avoid the furnaces across the lagoon to avoid the fire danger they presented to the mostly fire danger they presented to the mostly fire danger they presented to the mostly wooden city of Venice. Today, the wooden city of Venice. Today, the wooden city of Venice. Today, the streets of Morano are lined with glass streets of Morano are lined with glass streets of Morano are lined with glass blowing factories, glass museums, glass blowing factories, glass museums, glass blowing factories, glass museums, glass shops, and of course, glass blowing shops, and of course, glass blowing shops, and of course, glass blowing demonstrations.

demonstrations. demonstrations. Definitely worth a look. But in the end, after nearly 2 months of But in the end, after nearly 2 months of European travel, we were content to take European travel, we were content to take European travel, we were content to take a beat, enjoy an aperal spritz, and a beat, enjoy an aperal spritz, and a beat, enjoy an aperal spritz, and appreciate the golden sunshine and the appreciate the golden sunshine and the appreciate the golden sunshine and the lovely waters with its grandeur, its history, and its with its grandeur, its history, and its utter charm. utter charm. utter charm. Venice was a welcome sendoff to our Venice was a welcome sendoff to our Venice was a welcome sendoff to our bicycle tour across Europe. On the last night of our stay, the four On the last night of our stay, the four of us enjoyed a farewell dinner on the of us enjoyed a farewell dinner on the of us enjoyed a farewell dinner on the banks of one of the canals. Last night banks of one of the canals. Last night banks of one of the canals. Last night in Venice out here on the canal and just in Venice out here on the canal and just in Venice out here on the canal and just having a lovely time tomorrow >> All right, just leaving the bike garage.

>> All right, just leaving the bike garage. We managed to get all of our bags down We managed to get all of our bags down We managed to get all of our bags down here again, which was a major pain in here again, which was a major pain in here again, which was a major pain in the butt. We did it with teamwork. Now the butt. We did it with teamwork. Now the butt. We did it with teamwork. Now we've got the short little ride to the we've got the short little ride to the we've got the short little ride to the bus stop, to the flicks bus, and on our bus stop, to the flicks bus, and on our bus stop, to the flicks bus, and on our way to Zurich. Here we go. Just heading way to Zurich. Here we go. Just heading way to Zurich. Here we go. Just heading out of Venice towards the Maestro out of Venice towards the Maestro out of Venice towards the Maestro station. Nice cool morning. It's kind of station. Nice cool morning. It's kind of station. Nice cool morning. It's kind of sad to see it all gone, but I think sad to see it all gone, but I think sad to see it all gone, but I think we're both ready for Zurich and quickly we're both ready for Zurich and quickly we're both ready for Zurich and quickly get home. Both pretty tired. With one-way flights out of Venice With one-way flights out of Venice proving very expensive, our plan was to proving very expensive, our plan was to proving very expensive, our plan was to bust to Victor and Nadis in Switzerland bust to Victor and Nadis in Switzerland bust to Victor and Nadis in Switzerland with our bikes, spend a couple days with our bikes, spend a couple days with our bikes, spend a couple days there, and prepare our bikes to fly out there, and prepare our bikes to fly out there, and prepare our bikes to fly out of Zurich. of Zurich. of Zurich. Once there, we took our bikes to the Once there, we took our bikes to the Once there, we took our bikes to the local bike shop for boxing and then took local bike shop for boxing and then took local bike shop for boxing and then took a short trip to nearby Lucern with a short trip to nearby Lucern with a short trip to nearby Lucern with Victor as Nadia was sadly back at work.

What can one say about Lucern? Its What can one say about Lucern? Its beautiful location nestled in the ragged beautiful location nestled in the ragged beautiful location nestled in the ragged snowcap peaks of the Alps. Its graceful lakefront setting. Its graceful lakefront setting. The nearly 700-year-old Chapel Bridge, The nearly 700-year-old Chapel Bridge, The nearly 700-year-old Chapel Bridge, the oldest covered wooden bridge on the the oldest covered wooden bridge on the the oldest covered wooden bridge on the continent, the clock towers and the Trumpoy painted the clock towers and the Trumpoy painted buildings, the town wall and guard towers from the town wall and guard towers from where views of the city and environs where views of the city and environs where views of the city and environs take your breath away. It's a city that is too lovely for It's a city that is too lovely for words. We found ourselves lost for words as We found ourselves lost for words as well. well. well. Watching the world fly by, Watching the world fly by, Watching the world fly by, appreciating our freedom to travel the appreciating our freedom to travel the appreciating our freedom to travel the way we do, way we do, way we do, to allow ourselves to lose ourselves to allow ourselves to lose ourselves to allow ourselves to lose ourselves and ride across a continent without care and ride across a continent without care and ride across a continent without care or fear.

or fear. or fear. miraculously landing night after night miraculously landing night after night miraculously landing night after night in some new paradise. in some new paradise. in some new paradise. To have the health while we do and the To have the health while we do and the To have the health while we do and the strength while we do. strength while we do. strength while we do. And to know that this won't last forever And to know that this won't last forever And to know that this won't last forever and that that's what makes it so and that that's what makes it so and that that's what makes it so precious. Bicycle touring across Europe precious. Bicycle touring across Europe precious. Bicycle touring across Europe was a dream come true for us both. was a dream come true for us both. was a dream come true for us both. Gratitude doesn't come close to how we Gratitude doesn't come close to how we Gratitude doesn't come close to how we feel. We spent another day just enjoying We spent another day just enjoying Victor and Nadia's city of Zurich. And Victor and Nadia's city of Zurich. And Victor and Nadia's city of Zurich. And then it was finally time for goodbyes. then it was finally time for goodbyes. then it was finally time for goodbyes. >> Final stage. >> Final stage. >> Final stage. Final stage. unloading in a not loading Final stage. unloading in a not loading Final stage. unloading in a not loading zone. zone. zone. >> Victor's going to say goodbye.

>> Victor's going to say goodbye. >> Victor's going to say goodbye. >> Here we go. >> Here we go. >> Here we go. >> See you later, Nadia. >> See you later, Nadia. >> See you later, Nadia. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. >> Bye. I love you. >> Bye. I love you. >> Bye. I love you. >> I love you, too. Bye. Bye. Bye. >> I love you, too. Bye. Bye. Bye. >> I love you, too. Bye. Bye. Bye. >> Bye. Bye. I go. I run you. >> Bye. Bye. I go. I run you. >> Bye. Bye. I go. I run you. >> We picked up our boxed bikes, Uber >> We picked up our boxed bikes, Uber >> We picked up our boxed bikes, Uber damned ourselves to the airport, and damned ourselves to the airport, and damned ourselves to the airport, and away we flew in time for a crisp October away we flew in time for a crisp October away we flew in time for a crisp October evening on our own front porch. Until evening on our own front porch. Until evening on our own front porch. Until next time, happy trails.