Today was one of the best days on our tour, although if asked it would be very hard to pick the best. Gigi arranged for us to be picked up by a water taxi to take us to the Island of Murano. All the chandeliers and wall sconces in the hotel were made especially for the hotel by a family owned furnace in Murano (one of only three still operating) and therefore they have established a great relationship. A representative from the company met us and they were happy to take us out to the furnace/factory at their expensive in the hope that we might buy something. The water taxi ride out to the island was great although standing up wasn’t an option this time as we were out on the open water.
We arrived at the furnace and were treated to a glass blowing exhibition and a tour of their shop and museum. It really was interesting. So many absolutely gorgeous pieces, each one of them a work of art. We did buy a couple of small pieces but to buy one of the gorgeous artworks, we would have had to sell our first born!!!
At the conclusion of our tour we were on our own. Two intrepid travellers navigated the public ferry system further out to the magnificent fishing village of Burano, also known world-wide for lace making. I have never seen anything so beautiful. It is simply breathtaking. It is a tiny island and so it did not take long to walk the streets, admiring the beautiful handmade lace. We watched one of the little nonnas at work. WOW!!! How they create something so fine by hand is amazing. The temperature today was almost unbearable – 40 degrees and very, very humid. We found a ristorante with shaded tables and enjoyed a long cold drink, some very tasty local food and the view.
We then fought our way onto one of the ferries along with everyone else in Italy for the 50 minute trip back to Venice. With the help of our trusty map and a couple of locals only too happy to help with directions we found our way back to our hotel and a very welcome shower.
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