Postcards from Venice, Italy

It was a sweet fine day in Venice – our next stop in Italy.  We came from Florence (see my previous blog: http://miaybanez.blogspot.ae/2013/09/youll-find-me-in-florence.html by Trenitalia for almost three hours travel to Venice.

Venice a totally different from all the other places I had seen.  It is renowned for the beauty of its setting, architecture and artwork.  The City in its entirety is listed as a World Heritage Site, along with its lagoon.  It is sited on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges.

The view of The Doge's Palace and the Campanille

The 35ft statue of Alison Lapper created by Marc Quinn.  (Alison Lapper is a famous artist who was born with no arms. 

Piazza San Marco is the principal public square of Venice.  The Piazza is dominated at it's eastern end by the great Church of St. Mark.

Santa Maria della Salute Church

It took an hour for us to reach the hotel from Venezia Santa Lucia railway station by a water bus / vaporetti.  The hotel was newly renovated and very clean.  It was just 10 minutes walk from Arsenale water bus station.  B & B A Casa Mia Hotel located at Sestiere Castello 1985, Castello Venezia or log on to:  www.bedandbreakfast.com for more info. 

B& B Casa Mia

outside the Hotel

Don't be scared of the small passageway.  It is safe and the neighborhood (mostly locals in Venice) were very friendly.  

We arrived late in the afternoon in Venice.  We didn't had much time to stroll around so we just had our delicious dinner.  From the renowned historical sites and rich culture, to award winning wines and mouth-watering cuisine, Italy has it all.

my forever fave seafood spaghetti

We had a full day to stroll and conquer Venezia and we were so excited for the new experience in a unique City.  We woke up early as we planned to visit the beautiful island of Murano and Burano. 

There are 177 canals in Venice in a shallow lagoon that is connected by 409 bridges. 

The quickest and most convenient way to explore Venice is via the public transport vaporetti / water buses which is operating 24 hours.

Murano - is an island town, about 1.5 km north of Venice.  Murano is known for its glassmaking.  It is one of the most popular island to visit.  Centuries ago, all glass makers were required to live on the island to protect the glass-making secrets.  Today the tradition of glass making continues and they allow visitors to see how they make it and buy as souvenirs.

one of the glass showroom

Murano island

behind me was the queue to see the glass making

The process of making Murano glass is rather complex.  Most Murano glass art is made using the lampworking technique.  The glass is made from silica, which becomes liquid at high temperatures. As the glass passes from a liquid to solid state, there is an interval wherein the glass is soft before it hardens completely, allowing the artisan to shape the material.

Below is the factory of glass making and allowing tourists to see how they make the glasses with designs:

There are so many fake Murano glass sold even on line which are actually made in China. Below are samples of authentic Murano glasses which were displayed in glass showrooms.  These are really beautiful glasses in different colors and designs which are very expensive.  I was able to take pictures even when it is not allowed to do so.  I remembered my Mama because she loves collecting home glass decors.

Strolling in the island of Murano - a very quiet and peaceful island.

We planned to see the next island, Burano.  It was about 40 minutes water bus / vaporetti ride away from Murano.

Burano - is also known for it's small brightly painted houses, popular with artists.  The colors of the houses follow a specific system originating from the golden age of its development; if someone wishes to paint their home, one must send a request to the government, who will respond by making notice of the certain colors permitted for that lot.

Burano is a photo and video lover's paradise because it is a rainbow of fun and bright colors.

They are also famous for hand made laces.  Back in the 16th century, the women of Burano started stitching lace.  The work was to perfection - in fact, each Burano women specialized in a single stitch, and since there are 7 stitches in total, each piece would have to be passed from one woman to next to finish up a whole lace.  Normally, one lace tablecloth takes about a month or so.

a sample of a handmade lace in Burano

Burano is a working fisherman's island, you can get fresh seafood here and cheaper in any other places of Venice.  We are seafood lover so we had chosen calamares and had a superb delicious lunch. 

Heading back to main Venice was a long one hour ride and we had to stop to another island named Punta Sabbioni.  We just felt to rest in this island after a whole day of strolling and had our favorite famous granita drink and gelato before heading back.  My favorite granita flavor is watermelon and strawberry.  For gelato is straociatella and melon.

Back in main Venice:  We were heading to visit St. Mark's square.

The Basilica has a separate campanile / bell tower - that stands 323ft and is one of the City's most recognizable landmark.

Venice's principal square is full of history and surrounded by great architecture.  Several of Venice's major sights are located here, so the square is often crowded with tourists. 

Doge's Palace / Palazzo Ducale - the palace is one of the most important buildings in Venice.  It was the center of power, from where the Venetian Republic was ruled.

Besides being filled with people, Piazza San Marco is also full of Venetian pigeons.

The centerpiece of the piazza is, ofcourse, the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica.  It is nicknamed the "Church of gold" because of its opulence, it has been the seat of the Patriarch of Venice, archbishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Venice, since 1807.

We finished exploring Venice with a nice dinner.  We can't get enough of Italian cuisine.

Cozze alla marinara

Entrecote ai ferri

Cheesecake

Gondola - is a traditional, flat-bottomed Venetian rowing boat, well suited to the conditions of the Venetian lagoon.

Venetian gondola

I was a little bit sad the following day as we were leaving Venice.  Three days was not enough.  The uniqueness of Venice wants me to explore and see more things.  I wanted to experience more of their culture but my leave is almost over.

Our trip will never be complete without visiting the Church.  I always thank God for all the blessings much more than I deserve.

Inside the Church

Now I know what Venice is all about and why everybody who visits this place falls in love.  Ciao Venice!  I will for sure miss Venezia!

 Here is a video clip that is made by my boyfriend.  Hope you guys will enjoy.

"No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow." - Lin Yutang

(next blog - Milan, Italy trip)

Love,

M xo


TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

Disclaimer:

This is a personal blog.  The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer.

In addition, my opinions may change from time to time.  I consider this an open-minded consequence of my thoughts and personal views.  This blog is intended to provide a semi-permanent point at the time being and as such any thoughts and opinions expressed may vary in the near future.