Having left Venice on Sunday morning in the pouring rain, accompanied by rolling thunder and another rapidly rising tide, we woke in Ravenna this morning to a bright sunny sky. NO WELLIES RQUIRED. Our expensive luggage had let us down – we found that it wasn’t at all waterproof. Our room in Ravenna looked very much like a Chinese laundry yesterday, clothing hanging off every available item of furniture. Our shoes are still wet!

Il Duce wrestles with the WiFi

We wandered at leisure around Ravenna today. It is an ancient historic town with its roots going back to Roman times, and beyond. It has five UNESCO protected sites all of which are absolutely incredible. For the princely sum of 9.50 euros each, we visited all but one; the Basilica di San Vitale, he Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, the Basilica di San Ant’Apollinare Nuovo, the Batistero Neoniano, and the Museo Archivescovile e Capella di Sant’Andrea. The photos tell the story. Words simply aren’t enough.

Check below for a close up

Remember its all bits of tile

Tomorrow, we visit a dentist, as Pete has a toothache that won’t go away. Our helpful host arranged the appointment with his own dentist, with whom he went to school, and who has looked after his dental health since qualifying. Really, you can’t get a better recommendation than that! Depending how Pete is feeling, we will visit the fifth site in the morning before the appointment.