After another amazing breakfast, we were greeted by our guide, Daria, for a 3 island tour. Venice is made up of over 100 islands (we have been told 117, 118, 120, and 123, so I can’t guarantee which number is correct). Today we visited 3 of them (I can guarantee you that number is accurate), Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
We first ventured via water taxi to Murano, an island inhabited by about 5,000 people. It is known for its world-famous glass-blowing. We were shown around one of the factories (I should really say art studio) by Piero who gives the tours, sells the items, and also makes the artwork. He told us that he learned the process from his grandfather who was a very famous glassmaker. We got to see the artisans in action and it was very impressive. Piero showed us the family tree of one of the sculptors that showed his ancestors were blowing glass since the 1400s. He has no children so after 600 years of glassblowing his family will no longer practice this art.
Piero explained the various steps that are involved in making each piece. One of the artists brought over a piece he had just placed down to cool and Piero warned us not to touch it. He then put some common newspaper on it and watch this 8-second video to see what happened. Yikes! I am so glad I listed to Piero. https://youtube.com/shorts/-iwn1LCJWgw
We were next escorted to the showroom to look at possible pieces for purchase. Patrice picked out one piece that she liked and Piero went to check the price. He told us there would be no taxes and that the piece would be shipped for free. The vase Patrice picked out was priced at 2,400 Euros. I am happy to report that I didn’t hit my head when I fainted. When revived Patrice said, “I didn’t buy it, I didn’t buy it!” At that point, my heart rate and respiratory rate returned to normal, and I was able to continue the tour. I did like a picture frame that I saw just prior to exiting. It was priced at 120 Euros. Do you think that is reasonable? See below.
After Murano, we got back on the water taxi and traveled to the nearby island of Burano. This island is home to about 3,000 people and is very picturesque, It is most famous for its colorful houses. See below.
There are a variety of shops on the island and our guide took us to one where they did exquisite needlework. Apparently, this is a dying art since most of the young people do not want to learn the craft of making lace. We were told that some of the stitches used are only known by one person so when she dies that stitch will no longer be done. Of course, if no one is learning the techniques this method of making lace will soon be gone forever. These pieces are so precious that they are no longer used as placemats, tablecloths, collars, and doilies because of the amount of time needed to make them. We were told that a bedspread would take ten years to be made. Instead, the items are framed like a piece of art (which they are). See below.
I also noted a tower in Burano that might interest you. See below.
From Burano, we headed to our final destination, the island of Torcello. According to our guide, Daria, this island is populated by 11 people (all farmers). All the people working at the shops and stands live elsewhere and travel to the island each day to work. They might only have 11 full-time inhabitants but of course, they have a church. See below a picture of the church with a sign in front.
Tonight we are going to see a performance of La Traviata by Giuseppe Verde. I have never been to an opera. Well, I did see Porgy and Bess, does that count? Of course, the libretto (big word, are you impressed?) will all be in Italian so I am guessing I might get a good nap.
Take care and speak to you tomorrow.
Ciao
Robert Reiss Travel Blog and Other Ramblings 