Wednesday – November 9, 2011
Today was our last day in Venice and thankfully the sun was shining brightly! I was so happy that it was finally a sunny day, I wanted to celebrate by running around the city and taking as many photographs as possible. I wanted to take lots of sunny-day-Venice pictures!!
Gondolas for Hire
The people who were part of the many tour groups wasted no time rushing into Piazza San Marco and cueing up for their tours of the Doge’s Palace. I know why we don’t go on lemming-like tours!!
Light and Shadows
The pigeons and souvenir stands slowly moved back into their places in the Piazza as the alta aqua receded. The sun was shining brightly, and all seemed right in the world…..
Il Campanile – The Bell Tower
On our last trip to beautiful Venice, we had visited the Doge’s Palace, and we were awed by the golden Basilica, and we had climbed the Bell Tower. This time, we decided not to see the interiors of these interesting historic buildings. We admired these magnificent structures from the outside.
Looking Toward the Riva Degli Schiavoni
San Giorgio Maggiore
Because it was so bright and sunny, we decided to take a vaporetto ride up the Grand Canal and stand outside on the boat and take photos and enjoy the boat ride and the view! The sun light was incredible!
Amazing Light on the Grand Canal
Ponte Accademia
Ponte Rialto with Gondolas
We rode the vaporetto past the Rialto Bridge and got off at the market station called Rialto Mercato. It was still early in the morning and we were looking for the famous fish market. We were surprised to be greeted by a busy fruit and vegetable market along the canal. I was astounded by the unbelievably fresh produce at very reasonable prices.
Greens!
Chili Peppers
Fresh Fish
Octopus and Sardines
Keeping the Fish Cool & Fresh
More Fresh Sea Food
Filleting and Cleaning Fish on the Sidewalk
We walked around the markets, took photos, and admired the freshness of all the seafood and produce. No wonder Venetian food tastes so good! We stopped at a cafe for a couple of cups of good cappuccino and took a traghetto across the Grand Canal.
Traghetto Crossing the Grand Canal
It was bright and sunny and the traghetto was full of Venetians going to work or going shopping. The ride was smooth and silent; and much too quick!
View of the Canal From the Traghetto
We decided that this would be a good day to go to the outer island of colorful Burano. We had to walk to Fondamenta Nove to get the vaporetto to the islands.
Colorful Small Canal in Cannaregio
Murano is the island where the famous Venetian glass is created. The furnaces were moved to the island hundreds of years ago for the safety of all the Venetians. Burano is the smaller island beyond Murano in the Venice Lagoon north of the central part of Venice. It takes about 40 minutes to get to Burano on the vaporetto. It is a pleasant ride especially when the sun is shining.
Vaporetto Stopping at Murano
Burano is known for its handmade lace production, although most of the cheap lace in the tourist shops are obviously machine-made Chinese imitations. The island is also known for their colorful houses which are painted in bright colors so the fishermen could see their own houses when they’re offshore.
Burano Main Canal
Burano Houses
Fun Colors!
Bright Ideas!
Reflection
Burano is such a fun place to walk up and down the little canals and look at the colorful houses and take lots of pictures!! Since our last visit, more houses are painted bright colors and the town looks more prosperous. There are also many more touristy souvenir and gift shops.
A Personal Favorite
We had a simple lunch on Burano and had fun looking at all the rainbow colors of the houses. I think more communities should paint their houses bright colors like these. They’re so much fun!! After a while, we took the vaporetto back to Venice.
Across the Venice Lagoon
When we returned to Piazza San Marco, the sun was setting and it cast a golden light on the Basilica. The 13th Century domes of the Byzantine church glowed and looked incredibly beautiful!!
Basilica di San Marco at Dusk
We returned to our hotel room to rest up before dinner. Later at night, we took the vaporetto back up to the Rialto area to find a restaurant for dinner. We couldn’t find the rotisserie-type restaurant we had in mind, so we started to walk back towards San Marco. The walk was familiar now and we passed many sights that we recognized. I stopped to purchase a variety of Italian hard candies from a colorful candy shop. Then we happened upon Restaurant Felice. It was an acceptable restaurant with modern decor and friendly young waiters. We had a light supper and continued our walk slowly back to Piazza San Marco.
I always feel sad to leave a beautiful magical place like Venice. The thought of going home to my ordinary routine always leaves me yearning for another adventure. Venice is truly “magical”; full of history and beauty and surprises. We walked along the Grand Canal admiring the twinkling lights of the city for the last time and promised to return soon.