Venice and Island of Burano - Oct 5, 2009

Up and on the bus by 0750 hr to beat the rush into Venice. We’re only about 20 minutes from the islands.

Took a water taxi for a tour around the canal. Once docked, we went to the Murano glass blowing factory. Beautiful glass. Everything from home chandeliers, to jewellery, to ornaments or hand made lace. Nice stuff but very expensive. Couldn’t take any photos so you’ll just have to trust me on this. Then we had free time to explore some of the streets in Venice, without getting lost! The tide was changing and the whole of St. Mark’s Square started flooding. They put out something that looks like a 3’ wide catwalk to walk on so you didn’t get your shoes wet. I was the only one with sandals on so I had to walk into the water to empty some garbage. Went up to mid-calf on me. It literally came bubbling up through the concrete sidewalk blocks. By the time we came back from Burano the tide had gone down again and the water was gone.

We caught another water taxi to to out to the island of Burano. Very private, quiet island that has no hotels or tourist facilities for them to stay. They love the tourists to come and spend their money but then leave. We had a lovely 4 course meal: Risotto with shrimp; spaghetti with muscles; main course was sole, jondori (?spelling), calamari and shrimp and fresh fruit for dessert. White wine, beer and amaretto for a finale were all included in the lunch. We then had time to walk around Burano and get a flavor for local culture. They are similar to Newfoundland with their colorful painted houses. Everyone hangs their laundry out the windows to dry in the wind.

It was back on a water taxi that took us to a port to catch our bus and back to the hotel. We said good-bye to Venice. What an experience!