The Travelling Macs: Venice Day 2

Before we start on the activities of day two, we have to provide some info about our accommodation ( forgot this yesterday) . We had upgraded so we had a front room with a view and we have not been disappointed. Irene in particular loves the hustle and bustle and being able to look out on the square . The room is decorated in "true Italian style" including the "baubles" or "pom poms" along the edge of the curtains. The room is large, and we again had a laugh as we think it is almost three times the size of the Nottingham hotel room.

Today, we eventually got going after having a bit of a sleep in - (the Italian lifestyle must suit us.) and mid morning we went for a cruise to Murano Island to have a look at a glass factory. The glassblowers are very clever and the work is so beautiful - not all of it to our taste . We knew that being taken by the hotel is only a way to get you there to buy- we had also done some homework on buying Murano glass and the advice was not to buy at the factory as it is much more expensive - as there are a number of people involved in the process. We did see a couple of pieces we liked - but they were a little steep in price. It was a good way to spend some time and see another area of Venice.

Oh, forgot to say - we did buy a small piece of Murano glass yesterday ( not from the factory)- we think it will go nicely in the house ( as long as it gets to Oz in one piece)

We then made some enquiries of how to get to Burano - another little island where they make lace by hand. We found out we needed to get a water bus, and the most direct one was from Fondamente Nuove - Thomas ( the concierge ) said about an 8 minute walk, over near the hospital. Mind you, this 8 minute walk was through tiny little streets etc, but armed with our map off we went. Well, we only had to ask twice ( we are getting good with the language -"scuzzi") for directions and made it to the bus stop.

Burano is a lovely colourful island - the houses are different from what we have seen on our island and most try and have some garden or colour on their house. The lace was beautiful and I managed to find a couple of light scarves / wraps that will be most useful .

It again has been an eye opener , previously while knowing that Venice existed on water - it's the little things. This morning when waiting for our boat to Murano, there was a "traffic jam" of Gondolos ( because a garbage barge had to get through ), we saw a garage for boats- fuel pumps, outside the hospital emergency was a fleet of ambulances, and just up the road (oops - canal) was a funeral boat, and it is amazing seeing the transportation of goods by "truck" barges - the water highway is so busy at times .