The Travel Series: Pisa

Brand: Hinkler Elevate

Pieces: 500
Size: 59.4cm x 42cm

Product Code: -

How chilly have these mornings been? How lovely would it be to go travelling at this time of year? 

At the moment, I know so many people that are travelling overseas, including two of my brothers (although they are nearing the end of their trip now). The last photo they sent to us was a picture of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, hence my puzzle choice for today's post. I was inspired!

This puzzle was one of a set of four travel-themed designs from Hinkler Elevate. Even though it is of a cheaper quality, the puzzle pieces were still quite good, and the colour gradient of the background made it easy to complete. I have already done the other three puzzles in this set and hope to put them up soon. 

In the meantime, I will be attending a speed puzzle competition with my husband tomorrow in Melbourne and am so looking forward to it! Hopefully I'll be able to complete it in the time allocated! Wish me luck :)

Portofino, Italy

Brand: Cardinal
Pieces: 500
Size: 27.9cm x 35.5cm
Product Code:  -

I felt like putting up a travel scene today- a beautiful aerial shot of the coastal town of Portofino in Italy, 

I have never been here but I adore the colourful view of this place, with its brightly painted buildings alongside vibrant blue water. It has a nice summery feel in comparison to the cold greyness of home right now.

This puzzle had quite small pieces (which, as you probably remember, I absolutely love) and the colours were vibrant. The pieces fit well together too, which is always a bonus with these cheaper brands.

Colorful Houses, Burano, Venice Italy

Brand: Puzzlebug
Pieces: 500
Size: 46cm x 28cm
Product Code: -

I'm not sure if you've seen the extraordinary footage or photos of Venice at the moment, but if you haven't, it's well-worth checking out! 

I know that they're used to the occasional sinking of their city into the water, but the way they just accept that it's happening and adapt to suit the situation is so bizarre to me! 

I saw a video on Facebook last night of people in a restaurant just wading through at least 10cm of water- dressed in their ordinary outfits and with the addition of gumboots (or bootie-type things to cover their shoes). They didn't let a little bit of water sloshing on the floor stop them from living their lives! I guess Venezians are just used to it...

I have decided to put up a photo of a Venetian scene which I found in the Puzzlebug range. Although the puzzle was cheap to buy, the vibrant colours and attractive image were a drawcard. It was quite easy to do if you sorted the pieces by colour (for the buildings), and the pieces fit together adequately (as expected for the price). 

Atmospheric Venice

Brand: Ravensburger
Pieces: 1000
Size: 70cm x 50cm
Product Code:  191499

Over a decade ago, I visited Venice as part of a school trip to Italy. It was a beautiful place, and I really enjoyed wandering St Mark's Square with my fellow Italian-language students. 

When I saw this puzzle, it took me back to those few days, and so, in a reminiscent moment, I have decided to put up this design from Ravensburger. 

This puzzle was only slightly challenging. I think the hardest part was trying to get the sky completed (as is so often the case!) but even this wasn't as difficult as it could have been. It helped that there were so many colour shifts within the blue sky, so that you could work out which shade of blue went where. 

Ravensburger has released such a beautiful range of travel-image puzzles, and this one is certainly a contender for one of the best Italian scenes available.