Venice and Murano

We got up this morning headed for the island of Murano. The hotel called a private water taxi and arranged for a tour and glass blowing demonstration for us. Murano is world famous for their artistic use of glass. Glass making originated in China and arrived in Venice around 1000 A.D. The Venitians moved all glass making to Murano in the 1200’s as a result of several fires that nearly destroyed Venice. Because the buildings are so close together, fires are even more of a threat than they normally would be. The glass factory that Billy and I visited opened in Murano in 1290 A.D. The glass blower that we observed has been perfecting his craft for 42 years (it normally takes 20 years as an apprentice before you are considered a master). After the demonstration, we took a private tour of the glass showrooms. There were such a variety of different styles of glass and each piece was 100% unique and very expensive (the lowest price we saw was around $800). The tour guide told us that they contributed to the glass ceiling in the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas. He also told us that Keith Richards (from the Rolling Stones) bought a full size glass guitar that was $35,000). This showroom was basically for collectors who frequently spend thousands of dollars on the “art”. He then showed us to what he referred to as the “Wal-Mart” showroom that held “affordable” pieces for your normal tourist. Billy and I bought a few pieces and love the fact that there is not another piece like it in the world. For those of you who may be wondering, I will be carrying those on the plane. After returning to Venice, we strolled along Saint Mark’s square and bought some scenic pictures to remember our time in Venice painted by local artists.
We then looked for a place to sit and have dinner. Let us explain the choices in Italy: pizza, pasta, pasta, pizza. That’s pretty much it. Ordinarily, we both love Italian food (especially Wendy). However, we are both so tired of Italian food that it will be a while before we eat it again. We are so looking forward to some good Mexican food, BBQ, and burgers and may both put on a good 20 pounds our first week back. Since being in Europe, Billy and I have lost a considerable amount of weight (our version of the “European Diet”). This is probably due to the fact that we walk EVERYWHERE!
I just realized that I haven’t driven a car, cooked a meal, cleaned the house, answered a phone, or done a load of laundry in over 3 weeks…now that’s a vacation! I also realized that I have not loved on my sweet dog Allie. We have seen numerous people walking their dogs and think about Allie every time (I love you Allie).
We leave tomorrow morning for Florence, our last sightseeing stop on this stupendous European vacation. The next day (Friday) we head to Rome and are staying near the airport for our 8:00 am flight back to the U.S.
This may be our last post from Europe (we will update additional info from the U.S.) and Billy and I both want to thank all of our friends and family who posted messages and read the blog. This trip has been the best few weeks of both of our lives. We hope you have enjoyed reading the stories as much as we have enjoyed living them. We know many people will never get to travel and experience the things that we have on this trip, and we don’t for a single moment take that for granted. We have had the pleasure to meet people from all over the world and have seen things that most people will only read about in books or see pictures of on the internet. The years will come and go, but these memories will last a lifetime. Despite our illnesses, we have done and seen some amazing things. We feel truly blessed and fortunate to have been able to experience such a wonderful adventure together.
In fact, we have had SUCH a great time in Europe we have decided to postpone parenthood at least one more year (maybe two) to once again travel to Europe. Coming to a blog near you, “Farewell Freedom Tour Part 2 2008”…