Train Ride from Venice

Right now I am on a Eurostar train somewhere between Venice and Rome.

I'm trying to remember what all we've done but haven't written about. We have been getting home late and walking a lot - which makes Andy a sleepy boy...... Amy will be helping with this so some references are from her and some are from me.....

Thursday, we decided to get an early start and head off to the islands. As you probably know, Venice is a large island with water-ways in it and around it. But there are also several other islands that make up the 'Venice area'. Three of the more famous islands are Murano, Burano and Torcello. You would have been so proud - we actually figured out that we could buy a 24 hour 'bus' pass (vaporetto pass) and could go to all of the islands without buying separate tickets. First we headed to Murano which is famous for its glass-blowing. This very old art is usually passed on from family member to family member. Ed said that there were times when those who had been taught the art of glass blowing couldn't leave the Venice area. If they left more than twice, they were killed. I guess that Venetians were very protective of that craft!!! People today still go to Murano to learn that skill.

It took us probably about an hour to get to Murano. Once there, we watched a glass making/blowing demonstration and afterwards explored the small and very diverse island. We had lunch (yum) and then bought some glass souvenirs. Anne went crazy at the jewelry shop - she made many friends in that place!!!

After Murano, we caught another bus to Burano, which is known for its lace. None of our group had ever been there so this was an adventure for all us. This ride took us about 1/2 hour, but with few stops (as compared to Venice to Murano). The main street of this town is filled with shops selling lace of all sorts. We saw a lace-making demonstration which I think Anne and Amy found more interesting than the guys did. The houses reminded me (Amy) of New Orleans. They are all painted bright, vivacious colors of the rainbow - bright blue, pinks, yellows - very attractive and inviting! The canal that went through the city completed a perfect setting for an authentic Italian city on the water.

Our final stop was the island of Torcello. I had already read in Rick Steve's that the population of the island is 20 and that the only thing there is a church. But Ed really wanted to see it because he had read that the original Venice was here (I guess that it had started there and moved later to its current location...). The ride was only 5 minutes from Burano and Rick was right - there wasn't much to see, but what we did see was again authentic Italian. Dogs and their owners tending to fields. One hotel and two restaurants (wouldn't that be a cool place to go for some peace and quiet!?!?) and as Rick said - one church, basilica and bell tower. But we were all glad that we went to this island - definitely an experience that we will not forget.

We didn't get back to the hotel until 7:10 ish and immediately headed for dinner after dropping our packages off. We went back to the restaurant we had eaten in the night before and tried some new things. But we were all tired after our 'island' adventure and didn't have much patience for the 20+ group of college kids eating (and drinking!!) in "our" trattoria!! They were so loud and speaking so many obscenities. I know that I was not like that I was in school!! (this is Amy- can't say that much for Andy!!). :) Anyway - headed to Saint Mark's again after dinner and then to bed.

Yesterday (Friday), we started off at the Peggy Guggenheim museum. Amy and I were impressed with the amount of art that she had in her home. Quite an extensive collection of artists in her personal collection. Dali, lots of Pollock, Picasso, Miro, Klee and Man Ray (to name a few!). There was a Pollock exhibit with lots of his work on display. Jacob commented that he could do this kind of work. His grandmother pointed out that the reason his work is so famous is because he did it first. Just because you think you can paint like that doesn't mean your work will be famous.
Amy has decided that Peggy Guggenheim was her kind of lady. She had tons of dogs, eccentric and obviously great taste in art (and sunglasses if you have ever seen her picture!) and didn't care what others thought of her style or the way she lived her life. She also had quite a beautiful home right on the grand canal which I think most can appreciate!!

After seeing what looked like the same Pollock painting over and over (in the special exhibit), Jacob, Amy and myself made our way in search of lunch. Anne and Ed wanted to stay longer checking out the various paintings and artwork.

We didn't really have a plan after lunch. Our small group eventually made it to the Rialto Bridge and then wound our way back to Saint Mark's square (San Marco). We had to have one last opportunity to feed the pigeons. We then headed back towards the square that our hotel is off of and did some window shopping in the quaint stores around there. We bought a bottle of chianti and some fruit to celebrate our last day in Venice and when Anne and Ed returned from the museum, we enjoyed a little respite together. Nothing beats sitting in a little Italian hotel's sitting room and reminiscing about the past two weeks over a bottle of good, local wine.

We then headed out to dinner and wandered the streets until we found a restaurant by the water - some canal and area that we had never been in before, which made it even more special. Amy, Anne and I split a 1 1/2 kg flounder (which they de-boned right at our table - I had the cheek meat which is apparently a delicacy!) We thought we saw Kid Rock but I think it was some hairy Italian with a top-hat (like he wears). We slowly wandered our way through the winding streets back to the hotel. Back a little earlier than the nights before so that we could start the packing process.

Today we are headed to Rome and then tomorrow, home. This trip has in many ways gone by so quickly. But in other ways, it has been a while since we have been home (and every dog we see reminds us of Oscar and Willow). Will write more on the plane about our final day in Italy (Rome) and other final thoughts. Hope all is well with you our friends - we'll be home soon!! (That could be a good or bad thing.....). :) Love to you all......
Amy & Andy