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Murano, Burano, Venezia, and More

Mike at Piazza San Marco

On our last full day in Venezia, we took a boat ride to Murano, famous for blown glass, and then on to Burano, an even smaller island known for lace-making.

I’ve seen glassblowing demonstrations before, but not in Italy. Everything is magical in Italy. One glassblower made an intricate vase, and the second shaped a glass horse in minutes. It was a Sunday, so the factory was closed, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.

In addition to lace-making, Burano is known for its colorfully painted houses; the house’s color designates the owner. Once a home is painted blue, for instance, any future buyer has to leave the house blue.

As we crossed one of the piazzas, I stopped to greet this charming pup who thoroughly enjoyed a back scratch. We were both reluctant to part company so soon.

Hugo the dog in Burano

As for this Burano resident, she’s a feline’s feline, so in other words, “get lost.”

Cat in Burano

The boat ride back made me feel young again. We got to sit on the upper deck while the captain played popular tunes from his phone. The guide passed out small plastic cups filled with Prosecco, and it seemed we were all smiling or laughing.

A replica of a galleon sailed by to our delight, and we learned that it is something you can hire for a wedding.

Wedding Boat in the lagoon

After eating and more walking, we returned to our hotel to pack our bags for the following day.

We took a vaporeto (water bus) to catch our train on Monday, landing in Firenze late afternoon. We walked forty minutes with our travel bags through narrow, cobbled streets and crowded courtyards and decided to take a taxi next time. We forgot that we’re in our sixties and not our thirties.

We’re staying in another charming hotel, part apartment building, part small business, and part hotel. Our room is on a “half-floor,” which means we step off the glass elevator on the floor below and then walk up a few steps. I love the large hotel windows that open, letting in fresh air and light. This morning, Mike spotted a neighbor’s cat on the adjacent balcony. I feel right at home.

View from Maison Santa Croce

We lunched on paninis before spending time at the Galleria Uffizi. It was incredible seeing famous artwork in a gorgeous setting; however, an aching back and fatigue got the better of me toward the end. We stopped for refreshments, and now I’m resting at our hotel while Mike ventured out for a new pair of shoes.

My goodness, there is so much more to see and do! Thank you for following along.

Goodnight from River Arno, Firenze.

38 thoughts on “Murano, Burano, Venezia, and More”

  3. And yet, you found the energy to write! I’m in awe of your adventures – hope to follow in your footsteps one day! Thank you for the photos too (bonus points for the beautiful gattos!)

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    • Thank you! I can’t resist a cat or gatto anywhere. The streets in Venezia and Firenze are too hectic and crowded for felines, but I saw cat grass for sale in the markets, a sure sign that they’re happily living on the opposing side of the massive wooden doors.

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  4. It made me smile to see the dog and cats, which must have made you feel right at home. Travelling is such a tiring business, especially when we want to just get out and see it all, absorb it all and have adventures!

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    • You are so right, Anne. I’ve learned that I need down time, both physically and mentally when I travel. It takes energy to adjust to a different time zone, the newness of things, using caution in the streets, etc. Even at home, I like my out time and my in time. Thinking of you.xo

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    • We did! In fact, following that tour we were led through a huge collection of glass in every shape and size, and decided on a decorative, square-shaped plate. It included shipping, so we can look forward to it at Christmas.

      Not surprisingly, I had a great time in one of the paper stores in Florence. I’m not sure when I fell in love with paper, but it’s been a lifelong pleasure.

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  9. Naps are very important on vacations. You do so much more walking and standing to look and photograph that the body does eventually rebel. I travel like a toddler with so much extra equipment, that just walking to a taxi is taxing enough. :) No walking blocks with luggage for me. You’ve figured that our already. I loved taking this trip with you and I don’t eat so much this way. I would have to buy glass and lace and gelato as well. :) H and I would have eaten our way across countries had we had the opportunity. Just Italy would be 10 pounds. Keep enjoying. Sending love and hugs to you both. I’m in awe.

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    • Sending love and hugs back your way, MH, this time from Rome. It’s hard to resist delicious food, coupled with the “ah it’s a holiday” mentality. I will get back on track once home, but for now, I’m enjoying myself. I’m sorry you have to haul around an oxygen tank these days. That can’t be easy. I’m glad you and H made your Germany trip when you did.

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    • Thank you, Laurie. It’s those moments that make travel memorable. My back and hips can only manage for so long, so we come back to our room midday so I can stretch and relax. I’m glad you enjoyed the cats and dog. They were charming, one and all.

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    • You made me smile, Tierney. I’m happy to hear you’ve been to Italy. It’s a special place. I delight in all animals, so it was a treat to encounter that friendly dog and the two cats. I miss the two at home, but they are in good hands with my adult son.

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  13. What an incredible adventure, Alys and Mike! Italy is truly an artist’s paradise. I love the story behind the colorful homes! Such a beautiful tradition! I have such fond memories of traveling through Italy with dear friends oh-so long ago! We camped along the way making so many memories together! Heartfelt thanks for bringing us along. Safe travels!💗

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