We started our day with the free boat ride to Murano, known for its glass making. We did the obligatory tour of the glass blowing factory which was fascinating to watch. The glass blowers on work for about 6 or 7 years as they are susceptible to cancer from inhaling fumes of they do it for too long. It was on to the gallery which was beautiful but for €99 each glass and €80 for a wine stopper we weren’t shopping in our usual manner. I do think the glass is beautiful but for me, at those prices, not practical.
We decided to head over to Burano, known for its lace making and beautiful buildings. We had instructions from our guide at the factory but she obviously missed a few steps and we wandered around a but before stumbling upon a public ferry stop and purchasing an unlimited ticket to take us to Burano and back to Venice. We hopped on the ferry only to realize we had to take this ferry for 3 stops around Murano (which we could have walked) then catch another ferry to Burano! By this stage it was hot, we were hungry and the ferry was packed - standing room only. It took us 45 mins to get to where we needed to go so we were of course famished - remember we are on holidays and eat and drink when we please so this feeling of hunger is very foreign to us and set off mild panic.
We arrived safely at Burano and it was indeed pretty, the buildings were painted in beautiful bright colors. The shops were touristy with markety items that we’d already seen in Florence. The lace shops were very pretty, all still hand made in the island. A linen clothing shop caught my eye and had gorgeous tops made from hand loomed linen from the island. The price reflected the beautiful quality but was out of my budget, I then realised my linen clothes probably come from the sweatshops in China given the price I pay. This brings me to an interesting point. I own a lot of Made in Italy linen and its affordable and washes like a rag, I love it, I’ve bought it at home, in France and on eBay but since being here I’ve discovered that the Made in Italy cheap linen is definitely made in Italy BUT made by Chinese brought over from China to work in the factories!! So basically they bring the sweatshops to Italy!!
So as I said we were starving by this time so a restaurant was quickly found. After lunch we wandered around then took the big public ferry back to Venice. It sounds easy but we caught it after almost stepping on to the wrong ferry and having to RUN to the next jetty to get on the correct one! It was a nice day out but for me not a highlight.
We’d decided to have our gondala ride in the evening so Ken and Mick organised some wine from the hotel for the ride. We loved the gondola and could have stayed on there all night, it was so relaxing and soothing bobbing along the canals. I think the boys should get a job as a gondolier so we can have free rides each day.
We had our last supper at another restaurant nearby, we tend to do that so we can find our way home. A gorgeous little Italian restaurant and wouldn’t you know it, they sold Cannoli so I had my farewell Cannoli as we leave in the morning for Toulouse. Ken and Mick had a 1kg Tbone to share and they battled through it, both ended up with the meat sweats. We had some delicious wine to end the night. Another great night in Venice.
Our gondola poses
No comments:
Post a Comment