Reflections of Venice November 20, 2006

Today’s itinerary consisted of one main item; a shopping trip to Murano and the glass factories and shops that the islands are known for. W started out with a quick side trip to find yarn for Holly’s cross stitch before crossing the Grand Canal on the Ponte di Rialto and then winding our way to the Ferrovia (the water bus stop at the railway station). This cross island route took us out of the main tourist area and had us wandering through more local neighborhoods. Venice streets have a way of looking alike if you don’t happen to be at a large piazza or campo and this is especially true when you’re not in a heavily visited area. Luckily there were street signs and we did have a good map so after only one or two wrong turn, “oh no it’s a canal” incidents we found our way to the Ponte Te Scalzi where we were able to re-cross the Grand Canal and there catch water bus #41 to Murano.

I believe #41’s captain is an ex demolition derby driver as he hit every pier during the fifteen stops or so both coming and going. It did keep us awake during the one hour ride although I’m sure there is a better way to do that. We arrived at Murano and were directed to a factory where we were able to watch a demonstration of glass blowing and forming. According to the narrator it takes fifteen to twenty years to become a “Master Glass Craftsman” and it is usually younger family members that are apprenticed. The three craftsmen we watched consisted of an uncle and his two nephews who both had been under his tutelage for over ten years. It does seem to be an old world business. It was amazing to watch the three men shape and add color to the glass and with heat in the furnace reaching 900+ Celsius (1650-1700 F) it must be a hot job during the summer.

The next few hours were spent shopping (Holly shopping, me getting bored and going outside to take photos) and having another fantastic lunch. So far this is the best food we have had since leaving Hong Kong and weight gain is a concern. With Holly sated from shopping and me from my zuppa and spaghetti with seafood we made our way back to old number 41 and headed back to Venice.

Luckily we traveled only two stops and then left the bus to proceed by foot and road to our hotel. This was another section of Venice but with familiarity and practice it has become easier to find our way around. One more shopping excursion for Holly and we are in for the night.