VENICE - VENEZIA
Our hotel was supposedly only 10 minutes from the train station, so why did it take us half an hour to get there? Do not, I repeat, do not venture around Venice without a map! And even then you are really taking chances. However, the lovely proprietor of our hotel (Alloggi Marinella) supplied us with a map, directions and recommendations of what to see and do. And once we dropped off our luggage, it didn't matter that we got lost a few times. The pizza was great and the Gelato even better. What a treat to walk around and feast our eyes on everything.
Besides the churches and the Ponte di Rialto, the Doges Palace in the Piazza San Marco was the main attraction. The palace was the Duke's residence and the center of government. Apparently they had a system of governing that rivaled the Romans. The rooms were lavish in their decorations as art was and is still prized by the Venetians.
There are many other islands surrounding Venice and we were fortunate to visit Burano and Murano. Burano is the smaller of the two, but the most popular. As you can see in the picture, the houses are painted up in very bright colours and the shops and restaurants are small and intimate. We spent a very pleasant couple of hours after lunch just meandering and of course a little shopping. One must buy a small piece or two of glass, si?
Murano is where all the glass is manufactured. We watched a fascinating glass blowing demonstration and afterward were invited into their gallery/show room. We were bedazzled. Unfortunately, our favourite pieces ranged from 9000 to 30000 euros. Not quite in our snack bracket! But thrilled to have been able to see it.
Definitely a peaceful and romantic city. It exceeded any expectations I may have had.
To be continued . . .
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