Posh backpackers go luxury for four nights in Venice

Our time in Venice began with a thirty minute walk through the beautiful, unusual place. This would have been fine if it wasn't during the hottest part of the day with 15 kg on our backs. The only thing getting us through the walk - which was filled with many expletives towards anything and everything that got in our way - was the knowledge that we'd be staying in a HOTEL (yeah, you heard) for the next four nights.

Knowing that check-in wasn't until 2pm, we begged and pleaded to be let in early. In fact, I think the man at reception just took one look at us two sweaty messes and realised instantly how desperate we were to shower. The other chap who showed us to our PRIVATE room - none of this shared nonsense - must have thought we'd been living on the streets for the past fortnight judging by our reaction. We almost cried with happiness when we entered the cool, clean, spacious room with a bath and a fridge, even sky TV. Pure luxury.

Another best bit of our stay in Venice came trundling down the alley way to where we were sitting in a lovely seated area outside our hotel at around 6pm - our Mum. Smiles all round, and because my sister had just received cracking AS level results, we headed straight to a restaurant for a well deserved drink (and dinner).

A quick aside now to fill those of you in who were following my sister's medical drama and are dying to know the ending. You'll be pleased to hear that the magic of Mum being with us and a few informative texts to and fro with my nursing friend led to Georgia's lump shrinking to nothing. In fact, after it had been cleansed (PG versions, I won't add detail else you and I will spew) it was good as new (ish). Phew, one thing less to worry about because there was absolutely no way I was going anywhere near that 'thing' coming out of her armpit.

Back to Venice. Waking up in the hotel the following morning felt to my sister and I just like we'd died and gone to heaven. Even the hour episode we spent in our makeshift launderette - travel wash brought by Mum and a bath full of water - where Mum taught us how they used to wash clothes in the olden days, was great. We even had a buffet breakfast to put a big fat cherry on top of the start of a very good first day!

Being tourists in Venice included wandering around beautiful tiny streets and bridges, the most amazing churches (especially Basilica Di San Marco), the sound of classical music everywhere, a visit to Murano island to see the glass blowing, colourful Burano island, a boat tour around the grand canal, drinking wine by the jug, beer by the river, window shopping and some actual shopping too.

Though every aspect of our trip in Venice was lovely, I must just pause for a moment and tell you about Murano and Burano islands. If ever you're lucky enough to visit Venice, you must go to these islands. Catch a boat by St Mark's Square and witness the incredible technique, time and focus that goes into each object they make out of Murano glass. The heat you feel coming off the vase or heart shaped paperweight at the end shows just how hot the furnace makes the glass and therefore how hot the people must be while making it. The guy demonstrated this heat by putting a bit of paper inside which instantly caught fire. Look out for little shops within Venice itself as sometimes you'll see demonstrations of people making the smaller objects too. After this, stroll the streets and browse the shops filled with so many stunning pieces of work. Beware, it's very difficult not to spend a fortune!

From here, your trip just gets better and if you're feeling guilty having emptied your wallets in Murano, you can easily still be amazed by Burano for free. Another short boat trip brings you to one of the happiest places on earth. It's like stepping into a painting and certainly impossible to take a bad photo of. Streets are filled with the most colourful buildings and if you're not instantly struck with the biggest smile on your face, then there is something wrong with you. Burano brightens everything bad in the world.

Ultimately, we've had a fabulous time in our three destinations in Italy. Venice adding the bonus of luxury and some quality time with our wonderful Mum, but back to slumming it again now. Slovenia - here we come!

Things I've learnt in Venice:
-there aren't any roads (I worked this out just 8 hours after we arrived)
-people actually live in Venice (duh!)
-coffee is very strong but lovely
-why the continental breakfast is called a continental breakfast (revelation after being in Europe just over two weeks)
-pigeons are seriously irritating
-Venice's jewellery game is on point
-how much I take a good shower/ bath, decent meals and privacy for granted
-Venice has probably been my blondest place so far
-everywhere needs colour like Burano
-Italians don't do 'no carbs before Marbs'
-a day that begins with chocolate cake is a very good day
-that the headpiece you worn at graduation is called a Mortarboard not MOTORboard (oops)