European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 29, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Some of the Best parts of Venice Are free like St Mark s Basilica a glitzy synthesis of byzantine and romanesque architectural styles. Fite diversions a swimming Pool. The heat in Italy in August can be oppressive some Days you would sell your soul for a Breeze. Elizabeth of course knew the antidote for this discomfort. Quot do they have swimming pools Here mom Quot the answer was a blessed yes. Florence has several Public swimming pools one of which is in the Castine a vast two mile Long Park on the West Side of town. Florence is a walkers City and the centralized layout lends itself to burning up Youthful Energy while seeing the sights. It also helped that we had rented an apartment where we did rather than staying on the outskirts and struggling with a car a the More popular option for Many families. We shunned rental cars which Start at about $200 a week plus $5-a-gallon Gas and used buses trains the metro occasional taxis and lots of walking with 2-year-old in stroller imagine a City floating on water where cars and motorcycles Are banned and where the main Means of transport Are boat ferries. Imagine winding streets that seem to go in no order with footbridges and narrow alleyways that Lead to nowhere. This is the stuff that children s fantasies Are made of but it is of course the very real Venice and easily the highlight of the trip for our two. The Best parts of Venice at least from a child s eyes Are either free or Cost a nominal sum. Piazza san Marco alone at the Entrance to the grand canal provides a wealth of entertainment. At one end of the Square stands St. Mark s Basilica a glitzy synthesis of byzantine and romanesque architectural styles. Started in 1063, it features mosaics in the lunettes Over the main doors depicting the Story of St. Mark the evangelist and which to a child appear to be some elaborate cartoon. Not every trip was As rewarding As Venice and there were times usually in the midst of a Public temper Tantrum when my husband and i asked ourselves if taking the kids along on the trip was Worth the intermittent hassle and expense. And did the kids really get anything out of it or would they have been just As Happy going to Disneyland recently i was trimming Elizabeth s Bangs and asked her to describe her favorite part of the trip. Without hesitating she stuck her hand out and raised her thumb first up theg Down a a gesture reminiscent of Toga Clad Victor mature movies. What s that i asked. Quot you know mom the colosseum Quot she said Quot with the gladiators and the chariots and the christians and the Lions. Quot somehow i think Elizabeth will find Walt s world a bit contrived from now on. Ponte Vecchio the famous 12th-Century Bridge that spans the River Arno in Florence is lined with jewellers  Home in Italy a getting around Rome s metro subway and bus systems Are easy to use if sometimes unpredictable. The bus and taxi systems in Florence Are More efficient. In both cities we spent hours simply walking and seeing the sights. A where to stay rather than staying in hotels or pensions we rented apartments in Rome and Florence and found that As a travelling family it made financial and psychological sense. Many agencies in the United states and abroad specialize in renting apartments Villas farmhouses and even historic buildings. But be prepared to spend a lot of time choosing the right rental Agency and accommodation. Ask As Many questions As you think necessary. Do the windows have screens essential in hot buggy summertime ? Are there stores for marketing nearby and do they carry essentials for babies is there baby or toddler equipment such As High chairs toys or cribs in the place How convenient is Public transportation is the place child Safe especially balconies or terraces has anyone at the Agency actually seen the place or stayed there How bad is the noise level an important question to ask of any italian accommodation who can you Call if the plumbing suddenly backs up in the Middle of the night and do they speak English a rental agencies for a listing of agents that rent Villas and apartments in Italy write the italian government travel office 12400 Wilshire blvd., suite 550, los Angeles Calif. 90025, or Call 310 820-0098. My favorite source Book was Best vacation rentals Europe a traveler s guide to cottages condos and castles published by Prentice Hall press. More alternatives to hotels we spent our first few Days in Rome at the Villa Lituania a very accommodating roman Catholic monastery where our fare included three simple but Hearty meals daily wine included. And it was very quiet. Contact the italian government travel office for More information or the archdiocese of the City where you plan to stay. Pat Gerber file october 29, 1992 stripes Magazine 9