Murano, Burano and Torcello...a mini cruise!
Heat stroke and all, I went aboard this mini cruise line that took visitors to the island of Murano, known for its glass blowing technique. We were invited into a glass blowing factory where we see an artist at play, in agonizing heat from fire pits (never mind the actual overwhelming heat outside). He grabs a ball of glass and begins twisting and rolling, pulling and snapping it into shapes we are all too familiar. Horses, vases, bowls, in gorgeous colours adorn this factory.
The cruise then heads over to Burano, a fishing village with a distinct architecture all on its own. Clear lines, use of bright colours on the outside and white roof tops, clothing lines with a multitude of colourful garments decorate this island. The ladies in the village are known for their needle work. If you are looking for lace tablecloths, runners and napkins, this is the place to be. An old woman sits by the door, as you enter the shop and shows her tedious craft. A time consuming work of art!
Our last stop, was Torcello. Once off the boat ride, it was a ten minute walk to a wooded area with the canal running through. Tourism has minimally hit this part of the island. As expected, there is the local bell tower, the clock tower, the church and nearby shops. You are drawn to the ever present sound of crickets nearby. A serene location in which to have a nice cool meal, assuming the weather was less hot and humid.
The ride back to Venice was peaceful and breezy. I sat back and watched the folks nearby. It dawned on me what an interesting sample of tourists were sailing on the Mar Adriatico along with me. We had Sicilians on board, making fun of the Venetian tour guide. We had an American family travelling with grandparents too. It was nice to see the grandchildren dote over their grandparents, who were clearly having issues with the heat. We had an Australian Edward Cullen who clearly had vampish tendencies...his bold and beautiful girlfriend had plenty bites on display! We had the middle aged European woman, who in this dreadful heat, insisted on spraying herself with a dreadful cologne, yet most likely could have stopped torturing the rest of the crew ten sprays ago. My all time favourite group to observe and this tends to be more visible within European families....the grandparents and their grandchild on a journey together. What fascinates me most is how well behaved these children are!
Tonight is my last night in Venezia...one last walk into the labyrinth where, whether I like it or not, I will have to ask numerous directions to get back to my hotel. Once I am near The Cartier store, it’s a left then head straight to The Timberland shop and then Splendid, my hotel! No...this isn’t just a woman using landmarks to find her way, but rather this is the only way to make sense of these winding paths.
Arrivederci!
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