Last day in Venice

Our last full day in Venice began today with a relaxing morning. I got up earlier than Doug, had breakfast, showered, then left him still sleeping as I wanted to visit one of the other islands in Venice’s lagoon, and he did not. This was fine with both of us.

Our bed’n’breakfast (I’m on an American keyboard now, yay apostrophes) is close to the boat stop for Murano. This is an island most famous for its glass furnaces. Venice moved the glass works to Murano to protect the main city from fires. I saw a demonstration of glass blowing in one of the factories. I’ve seen something similar in Ohio years ago at the glass factory that used to be in southeastern Ohio. Today’s demo was narrated by a tour guide in German, some of which I could pick up. The maestro made a glass bowl and a horse while I was watching.

After about an hour on Murano, I returned to our b’n’b where Doug was out on the balcony reading.

We had lunch at a small restaurant, then headed to Piazza San Marco. Doug indulged me by accompanying me into the basilica and the Doge’s Palace. It’s amazing how much gold Venice plundered over the centuries and incorporated into the architecture of these two places. The Doge’s palace was also covered in large mural-style paintings, many by Tintoretto.

After we left the palace, I asked Doug what he wanted to do next.

“Oh, see more paintings,” he said dryly.

Instead, we got gelatto cones. I got tiramisu gelatto, and Doug got strawberry. Mmmmm.

Then I suggested we walk along the fondamenta fronting the lagoon, where we had briefly visited yesterday.

“But there are only shops there,” Doug said.

“Your point is?” I said, laughing.

Actually, it’s a beautiful view of the lagoon and yes, some shops and kiosks.

Tonight, we will try to go to a different part of Venice for a dinner at the place recommended by Jane, our gondola rowing instructor.

Tomorrow, we return to Munich. Originally, we were going to stop in Bolzano to see Otzi the ice man, but we decided that the significant effort to visit with Otzi for 10 minutes probably is not worth it.

I know the next big thing Doug is focusing on is the Bayern Munich soccer game on Saturday. He and Timo will go together. I’m sure I can find an art museum to visit during that time, and we will all be happy.

Must log off now.

Ciao,

Christine