Day three

off to Murano and Burano today, not a very early start but at least it is not raining and it is cooler. We walked down to near St Marks square to hop on a water ferry out to Murano for a look at glass blowing demonstration had a look around especially the master glass bowers works but decided against any major purchases. Onto Burano for a bit of lace culture we were told that unfortunately the art is dying out and you have to be careful of what you buy because a lot of the lace is imported these days. But I did find a beautiful shop which had lace which was made on Burano, the lady was very proud of her wares and was able to tell you how many women it took to make each piece. Had lunch at a very nice restaurant, I have graduated to gnocchi for dinner it is my favourite 😋 ff meal. We found a patch of green grass to sit one before we made our way back to our apartment we sat on it for about half an hour just enjoying the feel of it, it is one of the things you miss surrounded by so many buildings. Hopped on the water ferry for home both sue and I arrived back very sea sick and needed to recover before dinner.

Day four

Today we are off to explore Doges Palace and Prison and St Marks Square. Down to the grand canal to hop on the water ferry for a quick trip to the square then into Doges Palace. The palace was built originally in the 1300 and was occupied by the Doges of the time it was a great part of the the palace chambers were compromised by fire in the 1577. The idea of a museum dates backs to 1929 restoration continued and slowed during the wars and eventually the palace was opted to the public in 1962.

The Palace also houses Council chambers, Judiciary chambers and a prison. There is one room here the grand chamber it is 53x25 metres and said to be the largest room in Europe. The prison was used here from the early 1500 until 1615 when they built a new prison out on another island. We got to walk over the Bridge of Sighs so named because after the prisoners had been sentenced they were taken over the bridge and that was their last glimpse of open air.

The art work was very impressive especially the ceilings.

Back to the apartment for lunch then out for our last supper in Venice off to Tuscany tomorrow.