Zambia World Wide

Whilst we were there we found it was possible to book a day trip to Venice by Hydrofoil at a town just up the coast from where we were staying. Having made enquiries we booked a trip, having never been on a Hydrofoil it was quite an experience. The trip to Venice took about two hours, the water was a bit choppy which added to the fun and excitement. The feeling of power and speed as we sped over the sea was exhilarating and we were excited at the chance to see Venice. We had heard a lot about Venice and seen it on TV. , now we were to see it. It was a dream come true.

As we approached Venice we passed a large Island which seemed remote from Venice itself even though it was part of Venice. Once we had disembarked the day was our own. We were to begin with a little confused and had no idea where to start, there was so much to see and do. The buildings were like something from a Fairy Tale, where do we start were our thoughts. We were there actually standing in St. Marks Square, we went to the Doge’s Palace and then in and out of some of the other buildings around the Square, all were unbelievably beautiful. We walked across the Rialto Bridge not once but many times (we were like kids in a toy shop). We walked for miles along canals and over bridges and wherever we went there were Gondola’s plying up and down the canals. There were many other craft also which were constantly on the move supplying goods to the shops, café’s and restaurants etc. the whole town was a hive of activity. We visited the craft centres where we watched the glass blowers making vases and glasses being blown and shaped by hand, it was fascinating to watch. We also saw other craftsmen making jewellery and leather goods plus many other items in the various workshops. We finished the day by taking a Gondola trip down the Grand Canal. By this time it was getting late and time to embark on the Hydrofoil for the return trip to Yugoslavia, however Venice was all we had expected and a dream come true. We now have only a few days left, so it was into town and look for souvenirs and presents to take home. After which we spent the day relaxing on the beach. Saturday night the villagers would get together and spit roast a pig along the harbour. All were invited and there was a real carnival atmosphere, there was talking, eating, drinking and those in the mood to dance would dance the night away. We wanted a holiday with a difference and that was what we got.

It was about two months later that Jan came home from work and told me that she was pregnant, she did not have to ask of I was pleased, one look at my face was enough. The next few months were some of the happiest ever. There was so much we wanted to do before the baby arrived I really didn’t think we would have the time. First we re-decorated the spare bedroom, had a carpet fitted and then began to turn the room into a nursery. There was so much that had to be bought, we decided to buy some each week and the more expensive stuff when we could afford it. Some months earlier we had bought a Cockatiel which Jan had named Georgie. He had the freedom of the house when we were at home and was a bundle of fun. He was very attached to Jan and if she was out would lead me a right dance. I am sure he knew when I was getting wound up as he would get worse. The names I called him at times are unprintable. We also had a kitten who Jan named Fred, her greatest pleasure seemed to be swinging from the curtains and leaping over the furniture. She soon gave trying to catch Georgie, he always won. I did say her, when we first got Fred we were told she was male. It was some time before we realised that Fred was female and really should have been called Freda, too late she would only answer to Fred. Georgie and Fred got on well together although Georgie would tease her rotten. One day Fred went out and never returned, some weeks went by and we then had to accept she had probably gone on a walk about, she had always been a roamer. Perhaps I should mention at this point that we have both always liked animals. When Jan was younger she had all the usual childhood pets, dogs, cats, rabbits and at one time a grass snake “funny girl”. My brothers and I had dogs, cats, white mice and pigeons, nothing unusual.

We had made a fish pond in the back garden with a rockery around the back and sides and the front sloping down to the lawn. My parents had gone on holiday and left Kim their dog at home. I would stop by the house in the morning on my way to work and again in the evening on my way home to take Kim for walks and to feed her. It was a Saturday morning, I went round to exercise and feed Kim as usual, and then drove home. During the day I heard a Broadcast on the radio saying there was a flood alert in Great Yarmouth and that residents should expect the worst. I drove to my parents house and collected Kim and took her to our house, unfortunately Kim had a silly half hour. She had never been to our house, as she was charging round the garden she must have though the pond was a puddle and jumped straight in. Ooops! The fish survived but Kim we had to haul out by her collar. She never made that mistake again.