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.
As for this Burano resident, she’s a feline’s feline, so in other words, “get lost.”
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.
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.
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.
Gardening Nirvana 
I’m so glad you’re getting to experience all of this, Alys. It truly is magical. 💕
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Thank you for your good cheer, Jane. It’s been wonderful.
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Bliss! How’s the food?? :)
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You made me smile, Eliza. Do you want the short version or the multi-paragraph, food is delicious, beautiful, plentiful, tempting, tasty, etc. :-)
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You could do a post just on what you ate… omg, I love Italy!
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I can tell. Your love of Italy keeps planting a big smile on my face. Thanks for that, Eliza.
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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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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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The Burano cat looks just like my Kahlua ❤️
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Sweet
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Wonderful. I’m l9ving my Italy vacation with you as my tour guide.
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Thank you! Pop back in and let me know who this is.
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Sounds as if you are making the most of every minute. Did you not treat yourself to a piece of Murano glass?
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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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Ooh, by Christmas you’ll almost have forgotten what it looks like and, when you open it, you’ll be able to enjoy your special piece of glass all over again.
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I do believe you are right! Yippee.
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Another captivating tour. Your foot seems to have held up
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Thank you, Derrick. I found an amazing pair of sandals earlier this summer that would make my podiatrist proud. They offer support and comfort. I went back and bought a second pair and I’m so glad I did.
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That is good
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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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Vacation food has fewer calories because you are walking it all off. So enjoy each morsel. Enjoy Rome and wherever else you go. You are both young and healthy enough to truly enjoy it. I’m grateful for the equipment that keeps me going even though travel is no longer on the list. We knew we had to make that trip when we did so no regrets here. Have fun!
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You are a woman that always looks forward, Marlene. I admire that. We have walked a ton while here, not to mention the numerous stairs we’ve climbed. It’s hotter in Rome, and of course wider streets mean you have to look for the shade. Whenever we sit we share a liter of water, more water at meals and in the fridge at our bed and breakfast. Hydrating is so important as you know. xo
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I only look back to get a clearer picture of why I want to keep looking forward.
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I love that, Marlene. xo
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What a trip! I was with you on the boat as you laughed and had a wonderful time. But hard though it might be, it is important to pace yourself, to rest. Loved seeing the cats and dog.
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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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What a magical experience, Alys. I love the colorful houses and you even had some special interaction with animals. It couldn’t be more perfect! 😉 I’m truly happy for you.
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Thank you, Debra. It’s been a magical time here in every way. hugs
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Oh that was dreamy! I so enjoyed this post and the photos and Italy is magical, I cannot wait to return. How lucky you were to go to Murano and see the glass blowing. Oh and those sweet animals you saw and got to give pets to! What do you mean you felt young again? You are still young! :-)
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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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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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⬆️ Oops!
Dawn 💗
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Thank you, Dawn. Camping along the way sounds like so much fun. I came in 1989 and traveled for two months staying in youth hostels and traveling with a Eurail pass. I didn’t go as far south as Italy, so this is a new experience for me. I hope you are doing well. 💖
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I’m behind reading but I’m going to catch up – magnificent journey you have happening or has happened…
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Thank you for your interest and readership. We had an amazing time.
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