Tag: canal
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The sky was cloud-covered, rain was sprinkling down, and the canals were wavy as we boarded the vaporetto, headed for the enchanting Venetian island of Murano. As our boat sliced through the glistening waters, excitement bubbled within me. I was about to witness the centuries-old art of glassblowing that had made this tiny island world-famous.
Upon arrival, Murano’s narrow streets immediately transported us to a realm where glass reigned supreme. Souvenir shops lined the walkways, each one a kaleidoscope of delicate, hand-crafted treasures beckoning to be admired and taken home as cherished mementos. But our sights were set on the island’s crown jewel – the Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum).
Stepping inside, we were enveloped in the rich history and artistry of Murano’s glass heritage. Despite its modest size, the museum captivated us with mesmerizing displays of exquisite glassware, from delicate wine goblets to resplendent chandeliers that would make even the most opulent palace envious.
What truly sets Murano apart is the extraordinary skill of its glassblowers. For centuries, they have guarded the secrets of their craft, passed down through generations. Watching these masters at work is nothing short of spellbinding. With deft movements and fiery determination, they shape molten glass into breathtaking works of art before your very eyes.
As we explored further, a surprising realization dawned on us – finding a cozy cafe proved unexpectedly challenging on this island dedicated to glass artistry. But in true adventurous spirit, we persevered, eventually uncovering a charming establishment where we could savor a much-needed caffeine boost and bask in the enchantment of Murano.
While Murano captivated us with its glassblowing mastery, the nearby island of Burano beckoned with its vibrant allure. A veritable rainbow of colors adorns the houses lining its picturesque canals, a stark contrast to the more muted hues of Venice itself. Alas, the journey to Burano would have consumed too much of our precious time, leaving it as an enticing reason to return someday. There are many tours available that visit both Murano and Burano. Check them out on Viator!
As we reluctantly bid farewell to Murano, our arms laden with carefully wrapped treasures, a profound sense of wonder lingered. This tiny island had unveiled a world of beauty and artistry that few ever truly experience. And in that moment, we felt incredibly fortunate to have glimpsed the secrets of Murano’s glittering glass heritage.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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The city of Venice has captivated travelers for centuries with its winding canals, elegant bridges, and timeless beauty. As we navigated the famed city of water during our recent Italian escapade, we discovered a world that delightfully defies convention at every turn. Join us as we unravel the secrets of this floating marvel.
Arriving by train, our first steps into Venice’s labyrinthine alleys revealed an utterly car-free world – a rarity in our modern times. The absence of vehicles was startling yet refreshing, setting the stage for our aquatic exploration. With vaporetti (water buses) as our chariots, we glided across the lagoon, drinking in the picture-perfect views of the city. A word to the wise: beware of pickpockets aboard these bustling boats. Keeping a vigilant eye on our belongings allowed us to travel worry-free. For a more intimate experience, splurging on a romantic gondola ride is a must, though don’t expect the gondoliers to serenade you – that’s a Hollywood myth!
Our “off-the-beaten-path” walking tour of Venice was a highlight of the trip, taking us to places away from the crowds that we would never have discovered on our own. We marveled at the serene Church of Santa Maria della Salute (above) and basked in panoramic lagoon vistas – all without the maddening crowds of St. Mark’s Square. Our guide told us that this was the least crowded May and June he had ever seen and he had no explanations as to why. Outside of St. Mark’s Square, the crowds in Venice were much less we were expecting.
St. Mark’s Basillica
Ah, St. Mark’s…while awe-inspiring with its opulent basilica and historic piazza, the frenzy of tourists somewhat diminished the magic. Next door to St. Marks is the Doge’s Palace, the historic home of the Duke of Venice. One of the most notable sites in the palace, is the Bridge of Sighs (below), where prisoners got their last view of Venice while being transferred from the court on one side of the canal to the prison on the other. Still, wandering its labyrinth of alleyways and campos (squares) rewarded us with pockets of quiet authenticity, from the bustling Rialto Market to tucked-away bacari (wine bars).
The Bridge of Sighs
No visit to Venice would be complete without savoring its unique cuisine, though admittedly, finding truly exceptional fare was a challenge amid the tourist traps. We delighted in savory bites like spaghetti with luscious anchovy sauce and salt cod – quintessential Venetian delicacies. And how could we leave without indulging in an authentic tiramisu, the city’s iconic dessert?
As we bid farewell to La Serenissima (The Most Serene), we realized that while it may not top our list of culinary heavens, Venice triumphs as an open-air museum where getting delightfully lost is all part of the adventure. With its singular charm and a spritz in hand, this water-laced wonderland seduces even the weariest of travelers.
Thanks for stopping by! Check out our Go See Do Explore Podcast, available wherever you listen to podcasts. To read more about our Italian Adventure, check out our La Dolce Vita Trip Report. To read about some of our previous trips, visit my Trips Page. If you like my photos be sure to “like” my Facebook Page and follow me on Instagram! For my list of gadgets to make your travels easier, click here. To see inside my camera bag, check out my Gear Page.
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