Guess where we are

Comet of Glass sculpture by Natale di Luna

Yes, third try was the charm -- we finally made it to Murano, home of Venice's world-famous glass makers.  We thought we were never going to get to the island when we woke Friday morning to pouring rain.  After a little shopping and some frustrating attempts to

Since the 10th century there have been glass factories on this little island east of Venice.  They moved people out of the main city due to fear of fire from the furnaces.

The island has canals lined with glass factories and shops.  Most places have "no photos" signs ... I guess they're afraid someone will copy their ideas.  Things range from the mass-market jewelry items to rather avant garde art pieces. 

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Getting there involves taking a special offshore vaparetto... it has to be lower in the water because its route involves a couple of low bridges in Cannaregio.  That was why we couldn't go during high water... the vaparetto couldn't get under the bridge.

We got off at the west end of the island and walked to the center.  Both sides of the canals had wide walkways so that people could window shop.  Here is the center of the island... looking west where the two main canals meet.  The other view was taken from the Museum vaporetto stop.


 

 

We had a busy day today, but I'll have to save the details for later.  We're packed and ready to catch the train to Florence in the morning.  Ciao!

Post script.... we are now in Florence.  I thought this had gone last night, but the slow WiFi failed again.  Good news, we have a fast, strong connection here.  It is Sunday afternoon, and we are off to explore the neighborhood a bit.