Following our visit to the Bevilacqua weavers, we were off to the islands of Murano and Burano. Our main interest in going to the islands was because of the crafts/artisans - Murano glass and Burano lace. We got the vaporetto not too far from the Bevilacqua shop and off we went. It's a fairly long ride , first around west and north portion of Venice and then across the lagoon to Murano. On our way, I saw a couple of people riding jet skis. They are not allowed in the lagoon or around Venice and I hadn't seen them before. Turns out they are POLICE!
I was a little disappointed in Murano. We have seen a lot of very fine glass artisans and have attended workshop/demonstrations conducted by some of the best. Most of what I saw in Murano was hordes of tourists and glass "trinket" makers. We did go to a glass bead shop where we watched a bead maker at work.
Starting at the upper left and working couter-clockwise. Forming the bead, putting a hole in the bead, covering the hot bead with a metal foil, preparing to score the bead and finally scoring the bead.
Granny did find a neclace she liked.
Then it was off to Burano to see the island and visit a lace maker. Burano seemed much quieter. From what I read, the government tells you what colors are approved for your lot. It certainly is MUCH more colorful.
Some chores neve seem to change. And since we don't have dryers, we do what comes naturally.
The house on the right is definitely in the high rent district. It has a beautiful yard and garden and is one of the nicest we have seen.
We came to Burano to see lace being made. Helene took us to a shop which had an amazing collection and display of hand made lace objects. And, we were fortunate to observe this lady in the process of making a lace object.
This was our last day in Venice and now we were heading back to the hotel from our excursion to Murano and Burano. Tomorrow it is on to Florence!
On the train leaving Venice and going to the mainland
