Vicenza, Veneto, Italy
Sunday, January 8, 2012
On
Murano, I learned that Murano glass is fashioned in three ways - by hand on Murano, mass produced by machine, but still on Murano, and, of course, by the Chinese, using Murano techniques. It is extremely hard to tell the difference, and they sell the Chinese stuff even on St Mark's square. Lunch was a sandwich and a drink in a bar. We decided to investigate St Mark's on the inside, having pictured it to death on the outside - when we walked in, we were by ourselves and all of a sudden, the masses descended - Peter reckons that it's because we're crowd magnets! Still, we took our time, and tried to absorb everything we saw. Leaving the church, we went in search of the Rialto, not having a detailed map and trying to follow the signs on the wall, we got lost, but thanks to the phone's gps, we soon found it - at sunset(4.30). A little wait and the sun dipped behind the buildings, so we could take photos of the Grand Canal, along with everyone else who was lined up along the stairs and top of this bridge
. Homeward-bound we followed the signs back to the station, with a few deviations along the way, in time to catch the fast regionale back to
Vicenza, (3 stops -
Mestre, Padova and Vicenza), with considerably more people, travelling with luggage (tomorrow is back to school). A brisk 15min walk to Bob and Jenny's for an antipasti-style dinner, and getting ready for departure to
Bologna tomorrow. Big day, but a great day - we just scratched the surface of Venezia - it's on the list for a return visit. Thanks to Giannina and her husband, Andrea for insisting that we travel by train instead of driving - it really is the only way.
We can recommend Bob and Jenny's for anyone wanting to travel this way - better with two couples who know each other - we have had the place to ourselves, luckily - it's warm, comfortable, with everything you could need, within walking distance of the centre of town and with its own parking spot.
Take care and stay safe. We think of you all everyday.
Comments
I had a tour of the glass making factory while I was in Ireland and no problems shipping the glass home. Now you can order directly over the Internet too. Sure wish I was there with you. I know some excellent restaurants in Venice.
Did you go up Gallileo's Tower in St Marks Square?
Michael (like Peter) climbed everything and was almost wetting himself when he saw where Gallileo pointed his first telescope!
Oh yes, and you are going to LOVE Bolonga - made sure you walk the colonade up to the Church - or perhaps catch a bus up and walk DOWN!
You know they have that Rialto bridge in Las Vegas, it has escalators in it to make it easier... I think it may be the original 'coz it's beeeutiful ;)
I agree with your family in Italy that traveling by train is the only way but on the other hand, you have seen some interesting, out of the way places that my trains have just passed by. Venice takes many visits...and you'll still want to go back.