29th April 2011 - Venice



My birthday treat aboard the Lisa.







The Rialto Bridge



A busy waterway

After a restless night (hard bed) we woke and needed to get down for breakfast before it closed.  Two stale bread rolls and a cup of tea later, we hit the streets planning to go to Murano Island, place were Murano glass has been created for over 1000 years.  We wandered through the streets following the many signposts that were attached to the buildings.  It was an attempt to assist tourists to find their way to the hot spots.  Although there were many ways to each area so often the signs were very confusing.  We came across one of the many bridges and there was a gondalier sitting waiting for his next customer.  The gondola was called "Lisa" and was a sleek black boat with red and black trim.  We climbed aboard and set off silently slipping through the water.  At each corner the gondalier gave a whistle and whoever was sitting at the corner would tell him if the way was clear or not.  It was amazing the amount of traffic on those waterways.  We saw the rubbish boat, the delivery boats, a telecom boat, a builders boat full of dirt and a cement mixer and a variety of others.  

Tilting to get under the bridge

The tide was at it's full so some of the bridges our gondala had to be tilted sideways so the piece at the front would not hit the bridge.  The gondalier has to crouch down to get under most bridges.  He then took us into the Grand Canal amongst alot of traffic.  It was like a busy highway with posts to guide boats as to where they could go.  As we slipped back into a quiet waterway, the gondalier broke into song and serenaded us for about 5 minutes.  It was a lovely touch.  There were tourists at every bridge taking our photo and it felt quite cool especially as it was my birthday and all.  All too soon the ride was over and we were taken back to where we started from.  We then carried on back to the hotel as Rod had left something at the hotel.  We walked with confidence down this street and then down the next corner and so on until finally we arrived at "the railway station" totally the opposite to where we intended to go and a good 1.2km away from the hotel.  The guidebook was right. Everyone gets lost in Venice.   

The Rialto Bridge.  Covered with shops and the main bridge
in the middle of Venice. Used to have all gold dealers there.

 So we turned around and started back to try again.  Success at last.  Once we had been to the hotel we set off again for San Marco to catch the ferry to Murano.  This time we made it.  The trip over in a water taxi was quick and a picturesque journey.  We were greeted by a guide at Murano and taken to a glass blowing demonstration.  Fascinating to watch the glass master at work creating a jug.  So quick and he made it look so easy.  We were then taken through the glass museum and of course into the shop.  Murano has been making glass for over 1000 years and some of the works on show were truly incredible.  Of course, we chose a christmas decoration as a keepsake and Rod bought me a bracelet for my birthday as well.  Truly spoilt.   From Murano we then returned to Venice and wandered the streets looking for gifts and souvenirs.  

Murano Glass

Lots of beautiful masks, murano glassware, Turano lace and Italian leather goods.  I found a beautiful briefcase made of Italian leather so had to have that.  Also, found that nougat and chocolate are an Italian specialty as well so of course had to purchase some of that as well.  After a light dinner we had a quiet evening together enjoying the beautiful evening listening to a Vivaldi concert in San Marco Square.  A perfect end to a wonderful day.

Murano displays