Tuesday, 18 December 2012
This was the girl’s first full day in Venice. We had planned a tour of the clock tower located in Piazza San Marco. Turns out it is not the very tall bell tower, but rather the much shorter, but still very impressive clock tower on the north side. Our tour guide was wonderful, had a great personality, and charmed us with her sense of humor. Afterward we decided to warm up just a bit by walking through the Correr Museum on the west side of the piazza. Photos are not allowed so this portion of the day is not well documented.
Our bell tower guide had suggested that we take advantage of the sunny day and visit the island of Burano which is about 5 miles northeast of Venice itself. We did a bit of group consulting and Laura’s vote carried the day. Off we went “as the crow” flies across Venice to try to catch the one vaporetto line that goes to the island. The gods were with us and we made the boat as it was being untied to leave!! How can this not be a good day with that kind of luck. Burano is a magical place of brightly painted houses that look like the neighborhood design committee is right out of a Dr. Seuss cartoon. We dashed around like typical tourists taking photos as the late afternoon sun was getting lower by the minute. The island also has a wonderful hand made lace industry with a number of little shops selling everything from lace book marks, to table linens, and clothing. By the time we got back to the city the weather had cooled and fog had set in. We shopped a bit in the neighborhood around the Rialto bridge before dinner and then called it a night.
A busy morning at the gondola stand.
Look out Venice here they come!
Getting hooked on cappuccino.
Light stands in the Piazza San Marco
The clock tower exterior. We got to view the all of the entire interior rooms or floors and look down on the piazza from the bell level balcony.
An iPhone fish eye view from the top of the clock tower toward St Marks.
Domes of St Marks.
Allie reflecting on a possible purchase.
An entirely new take on your lipstick is smudged.
On our way to the island of Burano.
.
Still liking the water taxis.
Laura’s boat.
This is the slow way to get there.
This guy slept the entire way. And didn’t fall down!
Abandoned buildings on some of the very small islands in the lagoon.
.
.
I was lining up a photo when all of a sudden this seagull came into the frame. He skimmed over the water grabbed something and was gone.
.
.
.
Even away from the canals the houses and building are wildly painted.
Might need a redo here.
The lace shop cat was definitely enjoying the warm sun.
This is your Burano house on drugs!
.
.
Shadows in the passage ways.
Last one of these. Promise.
.
And the winner of the decorating contest is…..
.
Leaving just at sunset.
By the time we got to the Rialto bridge the view up the Grand Canal was a little soupy.
Decked out in holiday lights.
The late night gondolier slipping into the shadows and mist.
The smiling that goes on is quite contageous. If you’re not having a wonderful time it doesn’t show on the photos. Luv you all. Pop.