Day Two in Venice...

Today was to be 'Murano Day'. It was. Six of us hardy souls left the ship and ventured out on our own to get to the Island a bit north of Venice proper that was, and still is, the centre of the universe for glass blowing and all things glass.

We took the Vaporetta, their public transportation system on water. Clean, fast, efficient and every minute is filled with either panorama or history unfolding before your eyes




The locals are very tolerant of tourists gawking and hanging over the sides taking photos.


The only downside of the system is trying to determine which of the myriad of boats coming and going is the one you want. Some posted routes have a little English, enough to confuse you.

Soon we were safely on Murano and we were torn between photography and shopping. Moe in particular has been looking forward to Murano to do a bit of shopping for some glassware. Any shop you step into is a feast for the eyes. Rather like a kid in a candy store.


Most of the larger shops that have an overwhelming display of absolutely wonderful pieces are staffed with cigarette smoking middle aged Italian men. They rather attach themselves to you and their attempts at humour and charm are distracting. It is hard to be polite and browse at the same time. Doug escorted Moe out of a few shops, firmly but politely, in search of a more relaxed atmosphere.

Finally we found a shop where the woman proprietor understood north Americans and British do not want an appendage attached to them while browsing. In a reasonable length of time the deed was done and Moe had made her decision. We will have to wait a few weeks to see if UPS does their job and the goods arrive home safely.

After that, the shopping frenzy began in earnest for Moe and Barbara. By now Gail and Jim had separated as it is impossible to keep a group together at times like this. Barbara could give lessons to anybody on 'How to Shop, Quickly and Extravagantly'. Gadzooks, I thought I was a shopper, nothing compared to Barb. Moe by now has also 'got the fever' and everything seems to be a must-have.




Fellette was our tour-guide and co-ordinator by now. It was our intention to get back to Venice proper after Murano to browse through the streets that they did not get to do the day before because they were on a boat tour of the area. Fellette had to be a little aggressive in keeping the group moving. Finally we were at the Vaporetta stop that would take us back to Venice. When I say we, we now was only Fellette and Doug. Moe and Barb were in a shopping-mode and anything like food, sailing time or other incidentals were not on their agenda.


After missing a few boats Fellette and I decided we would not spoil it by rushing so we sat at a cafe and waited for the bleeding to stop. Finally, clutching too many neatly wrapped small packages they settled at the table and had a bite.

Finally, To Venice proper. The objective was three-fold; see the Rialto Bridge, stroll the back streets and the amazing shops, and cruise the Grand Canal. A tall order in only the three hours remaining before the ship pulled up it's gangway.

Moe and Barb were absolutely bedazzled by the shops and variety of absolutely beautiful goods. You have never seen such an array of non-essential merchandise in your life. However Moe and Barb still have the fever. Eventually we made it to the Rialto where their mind raced faster than ever. Everything looked lovely. Many hasty purchases were made, all perfectly justifiable at the time. Soon, onto the Vaporetta for the 20 minute trip to San Marco Square near the shuttle to the ship.





Fellette practically had to push and pull the two girls along the few hundred meters on the waterfront. The area is one continuous strip of vendors selling everything Venetian, and then some. Finally, onto the shuttle and a little sense started to flow into our heads and we said goodbye to the biggest department store in the world; Venice.





Lifeboat drill and the a clean-up for dinner and then to bed! Exhausted, two days ashore and another tomorrow as we head for Split, Croatia, on the Dalmatian coast.