Birthday mania
Trip Start
Feb 13, 2008
1
4
Trip End
Feb 17, 2008
Venice, Italy
Saturday, February 16, 2008
After breakfast, sorted a taxi to take us to Marano to visit one of the glass factories. It arrived and we jumped on from the hotel jetty. It took us through the small canals and out of the other side then whisked us over to Murano. Great fun and felt really spoilt.
Went in to see some of the glass blowing and ornament making. It was ok but only a few people in as it was saturday. Probably much better during the week when the work is really done.
Then taken by a classic looking italian salesman to look around the showroom upstairs. Bought some glasses and a sculpture. Managed to avoid adding a chandelier on the premiss that our ceilings were too low but could have spent a fortune.
Hermann, the sales guy, persuaded us to go onto Burano which is where many of the fishermen live and lace is made. Also recommended a little restaurant, The Black Cat and suggested that we then proceeded onto Torcello which was the first island in the lagoon to be inhabited.
So off we went. Burano was completely different to Venice with its small cottages all painted in bright colours. Found a friendly local who took us to the restaurant door. Luckily we got there at 12.00 because by 1.00 pm it was full. I went for the spaghetti vongole, a real local dish with small white clams, and Helen had the sole. Both were absolutely fabulous. A definite recommendation.
Then back to the waterbus via a couple of the lace shops.
Torcello is really small. Only 50 people live there but probably worth a quick visit to see the churches and take in the history.
Finally, headed back to Venice to find a bottle of champagne in the room with the manager's compliments.
