Trip Day 16 - Venice 2

Tuesday September 27

After a good night's sleep and a good breakfast we were already on the go with our group at 8:17am. Ha-ha, isn't it great that the photos these days give you information like that?

This time we walked to the other side of the island. 

We walked passed the Chiesa deci Gesuiti. On the way out we decided that we hoped we would have time to stop there and see it on the way back. But the main issue ... will it be open? Vanessa didn't know any hours which are certain.

This was the place to catch a water taxi to other islands. Venice is made up of more than 100 islands. 

I was a happy girl. Murano is the island of the special glassblowing, Burano is the island of lacemaking. Yesterday we had visited a glassblowing studio. Done! Check mark! Lace is so much more to my heart since I am a lacemaker myself. Hope to see some.

Burano is also known as the island of colorful houses. 

It deserves this reputation for sure. This area with the red and green sun-umbrellas was designated as our meeting point. 

And here we had a conversation with Andrea Cattapan about the controversial topic of the impacts of the Mose Dam. It was very interesting. In the beginning a bit of history how Venice even developed. Then the impact of the climate change. And yes, no doubt, Venice is sinking (or the ocean rising) and one day Venice will be no more. 

After that we had free time. I think we had about an hour and a half until we meet for lunch. And there is the Museo del Merletto = Lace Museum

We paid a small entry fee and put our stuff in the free lockers. 

Needless to say I have a ton of photos. But not many here are interested so I limited it just to a few for an impression. I will write a blog on "My lace and quilt blog" (see tab on top of this blog) for all my lacemaking friends in due course. (it might be a little while though, sorry)

These exhibition drawers which slide left and right are great. 

Burano Lace is a needle lace. So this would show the basic how it is done. I was happy that the photo turned out because it was very difficult to take because of the glare of the glass.

And yeah, there was somebody demonstrating upstairs. Unfortunately no English (or German). And as soon as I was there and close, a gentleman came and chased me away and put a rope up. I could not explain my motive since he too spoke no English. What a disappointment. But I have a lot of photos to share with my friends. 

Besides the sliding drawer exhibition there were also modern things from lace challenge events (?) in needle lace and bobbin lace. So wished we could have talked. 

The museum was at a plaza and opposite was the cathedral with the leaning tower (first photos). We decided to quickly pop in. As I hoped (and expected!) there was lots of lace on the altars. 

What I didn't expect were the flowers on the altar. 

Yes, lace flowers. There are a number of patterns to make those and I have made some too. Very pretty.

Burano like Venice is just fun to walk around in. 

Ups, a lacemakers shop. Nice window display (sorry the glare). I even went in but I really didn't need anything and the prices were ... Yes, I have plenty of pillows. No need.

Lunch with the group. The local beer is really nice. 

On the wall behind me...

A little bit more free time. It is a gorgeous day. James and I walk to that bridge we were told about which leads to another island. But all seems far after the bridge and we turn around. 

A water taxi brings us back to Venice from where it dropped us off.

Soon we are at the church which I pointed out in the very beginning of this blog. Chiesa deci Gesuiti, also known as church of Santa Maria Assunta. And when we passed, yes, the doors were open. We paid our 1 Euro and where amazed at what we saw. 

The first thing we saw was a painting by Titian: The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence done in 1558.

Lots of things seemed impressive to me = the corkscrew pillars for one. 

The organ (photo taken for my friend Joyce in Cape Girardeau, MO).

The pulpit with the "drapes" which were actually marble. We had to take a really close look to believe it.

But of course, we had to stroll around Venice's streets and over the canals a bit more and I really "needed" one of those famous ice creams. The one the day before had been just mediocre. Oh, but these selections! How to choose? 

Well, chosen right. We both were happy!

We had in mind not to forget to check out the public boat to the train station and familiarize us with the way from the hotel to the station (for tomorrow morning). I took a photo so I could ask Vanessa whether this was the right place. 

Can't remember when we were supposed to meet for our farewell dinner. Probably 7:30 or 8 pm. It was already dark and Vanessa led us to the restaurant ... ha-ha, zigzag around several corners. 

A farewell dinner always brings mixed feelings.

The way back to the hotel was nice in the dark.

Tja, and that is that. What a marvelous time so far. But ... we have more plans! Night, night.

*  *  *  *  *  *

This group photo was given to us by Vanessa at the farewell dinner in paper version. 

Here is the photo of the photo:

Sue (a fellow traveler) just shared this poem with us. I have permission to include it here:

Undiscovered Adriatic

We say good-bye to the Covid Panic

And plan our trip to the Adriatic.

A trip so long anticipated 

Our flight takes off!  So glad we made it.

Our first stop is lovely Malta

White limestone gem seen from afar.

The history of its famous sights

Echo the story of the St. John Knights.

An island ruled throughout the years

Often by might and tears and fears.

Each wave of people left their signs

From pre-history to modern times.

St. Paul, rescued from the sea

Brought the people Christianity.

The Arabs, Normans and the British

Imprint their culture from start to finish.

We visit Hagar Qim, relic of pre-history

Older than the Pyramids, the purpose still a mystery.

Its boulders weighing many tons

No one knows how it was done.

In Vittoriosa’s co-cathedral

We get a special thrill.

Viewing paintings done long ago

By that famous artist Caravaggio. 

Strolling Mdina’s narrow streets

Where East and West cultures meet.

Stately structures do we see

Yellow limestone and colorful balconies.

Hear the vendors calling out

“See my produce” they all shout.

Siracusa’s market is quite a sight 

Displaying products of all types.

A dairy farm that’s family run

Turned out to be a lot of fun.

We fed the cows and help provide

The luncheon food they served inside.

Old Ortygia, a place to see

Full of remnants of antiquity.

Winding alleys, shady lanes

A Cathedral built from Temple remains.

A sunny day in Otranto’s port

Over which many wars were fought. 

Its castle featured in a gothic story

The floor mosaic, the Cathedral’s glory!

Matera’s Sassi is a wonder

Homes and churches in caves down under.

Lacking basic things for living

They made use of what the earth was giving.

To see it all we had to climb

200 stair steps at a time.

We made the top, enjoyed the view

A world-class sight in front of you!

Our Home Host dinner was quite a treat

Delicious food, so much to eat!

Our hosts were gracious as can be

We all enjoyed their hospitality.

We visit Alberobello’s Trulli homes 

Their conical roofs made out of stones.

Preserving them is quite an art

Skills must be learned from the start.

Pinnacle symbols seen near and far

Denote class, flat, round and a star.

The village seems a child’s fantasy

Their idea of what it could be.

In Ortona’s port we took a walk

To see where Thomas’s bones were brought.

The market stalls set up outside

Then we start to take a ride.

At Nonno’s Farm we took our ease

Milking goats and making cheese.

Al fresco lunch, the food homemade

At the Mono River Cemetery, respect was paid.

One fine day we all did go

To that lovely place, San Marino.

Its fortress towers provide the views

Of panorama landscapes in front of you.

Ascending slowly took some time

The sight before us was worth the climb.

Hill top Republic from days of old

The torch of Freedom it will uphold.

Another tour we were to take 

To see Ravenna’s glass mosaics.

Glittering pieces bright as the sun

In Galla Placidia’s Mausoleum.

How the ancients plied their art

Small pieces set in every part,

Amazes all who stop and stare

At the whole presented there.

Another place, just down the alley

Was the Basilica of St. Vitale.

Displaying art of the Byzantine

Its pictorial images are supreme!

But wait! We see the best by far

In St. Mark’s Cathedral in Venezia.

Golden mosaics cover each space

In ceilings and vaultings all over the place.

A visit to Venice is tres magnifique!

No other city has sights so unique.

To write all about them and find the right rhyme,

Is just too darn hard, ‘cause

I’ve run out of time!

In early morn, on the last day

We boarded a fast boat on the quay.

Off to Burano, that colorful place

Of multi-hued houses and beautiful lace.

The trip on the Artemus was lots of fun

The crew and food was the best, baring none.

Our guides were a wonder, of that you can bet

Three lovely ladies, they were the best yet.

Paula, Louise and Vanessa, caring and kind

Smoothed the way for us many a time.

They got the job done with smiling faces

As they directed our footsteps to wonderful places.

And let me just mention and never forget

The other nice people aboard that we met.

Each one so special and fun in their way

And maybe we’ll meet them again one fine day!

 

Thanks you, Sue, for sharing!