In order to save us sometime, we paid 5 Euro extra to have breakfast at the hotel. It was disappointing. So far all the breakfasts we had on this trip were very good. ( Some breakfast were included like Inn Giovy while others we paid extra as in Vienna .)
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| View from Our Venice Hotel Balcony |
The entire street where we were staying were lined with restaurants and shops. We went into a shop located right under our hotel and took a look at the many glassware art pieces. There was a beautiful chandelier produced by local Murano glass artisans and I loved it.
We have been looking for a unique fixture for our dining room and it is not easy to find something neither too old fashion nor too space age looking. This is one that would fit perfectly in our dining room. We thought of it for sometime but decided against it because we would not be able to bring such a fragile item home given the luggage we already have to carry.
We bought the 12 hour travel pass and hopped on the waterbus that took us to Piazza San Marco.
The huge Piazza is flanked by a museum in the middle, a national library and a shopping plaza on both sides.
At the back is the magnificent San Marco’s Basilica with wall paintings and sculptures at the front and multiple domes.
While we were fascinated by the architecture in the Piazza we heard nice piano music accompanied by a man playing an accordion and another playing a double bass.
We walked by another outdoor restaurant and there was classical music played by a team of musicians including a pianist, violinist and couple others.
We liked the music so much that we decided to pay the music charge, 6 Euro/ person plus expensive charges on beverages, 8- 12 Euro for tea or coffee, and sat down for something to eat.
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| St. Mark Square, Venice |
We bought the 12 hour travel pass and hopped on the waterbus that took us to Piazza San Marco.
The huge Piazza is flanked by a museum in the middle, a national library and a shopping plaza on both sides.
At the back is the magnificent San Marco’s Basilica with wall paintings and sculptures at the front and multiple domes.
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| Classical Music Provided by the Florian Restaurant Musicians |
While we were fascinated by the architecture in the Piazza we heard nice piano music accompanied by a man playing an accordion and another playing a double bass.
We walked by another outdoor restaurant and there was classical music played by a team of musicians including a pianist, violinist and couple others.
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| The Florian Restaurant, Venice |
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| Enjoying the Music & Scenery at St Marcos Square |
The Florian Restaurant, where we had a bit was a classy place established since the eighteenth century. We felt that we went into a time machine and were transported back to the 1920’s. Though expensive, we enjoyed sitting down on the wide patio out at the Piazza for two hours listening to soft music playing waltz and 20’s music.
At one point the violin lead player broke into a Chinese and other folk songs which were played nicely. It was pure enjoyment taking refuge from the burning sun, watching people go by and massive numbers of pigeons pecking on the ground. (
I just realized that this was the famous square where numerous scenes were filmed whenever they talked about Italy or travel in Europe.)
We also saw performances by a couple of expert dancers demonstrating tango dances in the walkway.
To take full advantage of our 12 hour unlimited travel pass, we hopped on a few more rides on the water bus and went to a few more places.
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| Murano, Venice |
One of the places that we enjoyed a lot was Murano which was at the last stop of one of the water bus routes.
( We found out later that a one way ticket to Murano would be 7 Euro on the water bus because of its distance.)
Murano is famous for its glass artisans and the glass work that it produces.
Unfortunately, we got there a little after 5pm and all the workshops were closed.
A number of shops were still opened so we were able to see some samples of work produced by local glass artists.
The pieces of work displayed were colourful, creative, and beautiful, Some glass pieces were traditional in design while many were modern and interesting.
I bought a Murano made watch and some small souvenirs and we enjoyed looking at the traditional crafts and houses at Murano.
The secret recipe and techniques of Murano glass making has been carefully guarded for centuries.
Our visit to Murano gave us a tiny glimpse of one of the traditional Venetian arts.
Murano is famous for its glass artisans and the glass work that it produces.
Unfortunately, we got there a little after 5pm and all the workshops were closed.
A number of shops were still opened so we were able to see some samples of work produced by local glass artists.
The pieces of work displayed were colourful, creative, and beautiful, Some glass pieces were traditional in design while many were modern and interesting.
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| Comet Glass Star, Murano |
I bought a Murano made watch and some small souvenirs and we enjoyed looking at the traditional crafts and houses at Murano.
The secret recipe and techniques of Murano glass making has been carefully guarded for centuries.
Our visit to Murano gave us a tiny glimpse of one of the traditional Venetian arts.
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| An Artistic Wrecking Yard |
We wished we had more time staying on this quaint little place but we must take a water bus back to Santa Lucia as the water taxi service ran on limited services after 8p.m.
By taking the water bus everywhere in Venice, we came across some beautiful scenery and artistic art work, such as the gigantic hands at one of the auto wrecking yard we saw while we were on the water bus. What a marvelous creative idea!
I wish more people could come up with artistic ideas such as this one for demolishing sites and wrecking yards.
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| Bridges, Bridges Everywhere in Venice |
While we were trying to figure out how to read the schedule, an Italian gentleman, without being asked, volunteered to help us figure out which water bus we should take to get to our destination.
Another nice and helpful Venetian ready to help out the lost tourist!
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| Beautiful Architecture Abound in Venice |
This was the last night we were in Italy and we felt a little sad leaving these wonderful and warm people.
We tried to make the most of it and enjoyed the Italian cuisine in the outdoor restaurant one more time. Good bye, Venice!
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| Murano |
They should be credited for putting up with the invasion of tourists overtaking their city for a few months a year.
On more than one occasion, Venetians have stepped up to the plate and volunteered to help us whenever we looked a little confused.
R.T. Venice
Aug. 2012
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