Venice - day 10

We hadn't made any plans for our last day here, so over breakfast I asked Finlay if he fancied a trip to Trieste as we had virtually finished packing so it didn't matter what time we returned.  Trains swiftly booked and a morning journey on the "bike train" - so called as there are special carriages for bikes as the train travels through areas with lots of bike trails, popular with locals and tourists alike. 20 minutes from the end if the journey you get a wonderful view approaching the city with the sparkling Adriatic at the forefront.  Known as the "least Italian of Italy's cities" I immediately liked Trieste.  The architecture is just amazing and is down to the Hapsburg influences. Amazing buildings and piazzas everywhere, and a mixture of Italian, Slovenian and Croatian languages being so close to their borders. We wandered around for ages taking in the port, the squares, the houses riding up the hillsides etc. Just a lovely place.  We had lunch in a spot where we saw all the locals queuing - well worth the wait to be seated. Later more walking and viewing embassies and lovely churches.  Lots of photos taken - sorry about all the extras once again!  It was hot, but near the front a sea breeze tempered the heat. So many backstreets filled with bars and restaurants and quirky independent shops.  We stopped at a friendly bar for a drink, and a 4 way conversation in different languages ensued with those of us sitting outside wondering whose food was going to be targeted first by a huge seagull perched on a parasol above us!  In one if the extras you can see the surprising beer special of the day - a gluten free beer all the way from the Yorkshire Wolds!  Also a photo of a shop run by the group "Freedom for Trieste" who seemingly want USA and the UK to come back to help to administer Trieste!  A fascinating history - lots to read about it on "Mr Google".  Finally had to leave.  A packed train this time, which ground to a halt after 30 minutes.  We were told it was probably a signal problem and we would have to wait around 20 minutes. An hour later we were still there!  Everyone was very patient though, but the poor conductor was struggling with people who only spoke English, Chinese and French questioning her!  Google translate came into its own as we helped a young Chinese man sort out his tickets. Once on the move again we were advised that should we arrive at our destination over an hour late we would get our money back.  The train set off at speed and funnily enough arrived at the Mestre 52 minutes late and they decided to terminate the train there - conned, lol! Mad dash to another platform to get a train to Santa Lucia and we finally got back to our hotel just before 9pm.  Straight out again to try to get in somewhere for dinner, but most restaurants in the area full by then.  So we managed to go to the Osteria Mocenigo near the hotel and bagged the last table. The owner there is loud and entertaining and had obviously been enjoying a few drinks with his customers!  A nightcap at the little bar on the bridge and then bed.  Full on day!