 |
| Yes, places like this really exist! Visit beautiful Burano! |
around Venice for a few days, we decided to take a day trip out to the adjacent islands of Murano and Burano.
 |
|
A canal in Murano
|
 |
| Murano glass vase |
A few of the
factory galleries and some of the hotels have an arrangement which allows you to get free transportation out to the
island. The deal includes free
water-taxi ride and a short demonstration of some glass sculpting once you
arrive. The water taxi ride is nice and gives you cruising time in the smaller canals of Venice on the way out of the city. The only other way to see the smaller canals is to ride in a gondola.
 |
| Murano has wide open canals which can help with photographs |
If you’re interested in browsing the gallery, the free ride out is not such a bad deal. The salesmen are very knowledgeable about the merchandise, but you can pretty much be assured that you will be paying top dollar if you decide to buy something.
 |
| Murano |
charming. We had a very inexpensive
luncheon at a sandwich shop and took photos.
The island is quaint. The canals are wide and the buildings are not
too tall, so that makes it easier to photograph.
 |
| Don’t you just love an old door? This beautifully decrepit door is in Murano. |
 |
|
Burano is an explosion of technicolor!
|
diagrams at the stations are not easy to read. Discerning which line to follow is also maddeningly difficult. I was missing my GPS again, and found that almost every other tourist felt as confused as we did…even the ones using guide books. We got used to simply asking the ticket
officer at the Vaporetto station for directions. They were the only ones who seemed to know where
to go. We also learned to double check with the boat hands as we got onboard any vessel (just to be sure we were going where we thought we were going).
Burano (it leaves about every ½ hr. from Murano). This little gem was definitely worth the effort! We heard that going early in
the day is best since there are fewer crowds. We didn’t make it there early, and we did deal with lots of people. However, late in the day we were blessed with better lighting and everything came across in technicolor!
 |
| Reflections of Burano, Italy |
 |
| Love these complementary colors next to one another! |
photo-editing program and turned the color up to full volume!
 |
| surreal color is everywhere |
These photos are edited, but the
buildings are actually this bright. After our day trip there, I would definitely recommend taking the time
to go for your own visit…but unless you want to make a day of it, you may want to study the route first.
 |
| Burano is full of colorful canals like this one |
I can’t wait to work some of these photos into paintings! If you’re interested in taking art classes with me and learning how to paint what you photograph, think about indulging yourself with art classes. Watercolor, acrylic, sketching, or mixed media…any and all can be a fun way to record your life and your travels.
 |
| Really?! Did they just set this up for me? |
Whether journaling or doing more serious paintings, the artwork you can create is personal and forever records your connection to places and moments in your life. In future blogs I will share some of our more art related experiences on the trip.
 |
| Breakfast on the Terrace overlooking the lily pond at San Fedele |
If you’re interested in traveling to some of these beautiful places in Italy, think about joining me next year for another Cooking and Art Tour of Tuscany. Whether or not you’re an artist, you can enjoy spending time in these visually exciting destinations. If you’re new and want to try painting with us, I’ll make it easy for you.
 |
| Just another beautiful morning at Borgo San Fedele…sigh |
Whether or not you are a cook, you can enjoy eating and even observing what our personable chef has going on in his kitchen. There’s always the option of taking a hike, reading a book, or getting a massage while others are doing the organized activities. Space will be limited to keep the group friendly, so sign up early and bring your friends along!
 |
| San Gimignano- one of my favorite places to visit in Tuscany |
Rebecca Zdybel
Artist, Instructor, Art-Travel Instructor
Art Lessons in all media
Myrtle Beach, SC
rebecca@rebeccazartist.com
Spread Light, Share Love, DO Art!
Feel free to share any of this blog post on your own blog or website, but I ask that you you include:
“Like” my facebook page: Rebecca Zdybel- Artist
Absolutely fabulous photos Rebecca – that little Canon is the best camera ever. Every time I pick up Tom's 5 pound wonder cam I am grateful for your advice to buy the Canon Powershot SX50.
I understand your Venice confusion – it seems that they must deliberately make it difficult to find your way around! No street names – no map with the street names that are there – if you are in a ticket line you can be sure it is the wrong line and if it seems that you should get on this ferry you can be sure it is going the wrong way… A good book for Venice prep "The Politics of Washing, Real Life in Venice" by Polly Coles. I had it on my kindle reader and it really helped me get a bit of perspective. It helps a lot to know you are not the only one wandering… BTW – I spent Sunday afternoon at the Googenheim the weekend you were there. Great experience putting the history of modern/contemporary together under one roof. Sorry about your phone – thanks for your honesty. We are all vulnerable.
Pat, Sometimes I wonder if I should be so transparent about the mistakes I make along the way, but I always hope that my foibles and experience can either make people laugh, or help them feel better about themselves and their own struggles while traveling. Travel overseas is NOT for sissies! lol Experience is a great teacher, but that education can be stressful at times. The secret for me has been to is to seek out those with experience, learn from them, and keep a sense of humor. I agree that the Canon SX50 has made my life easier when trying to get good photos. I lugged my huge camera with a great lens for years, and then decided enough was enough. I couldn't be happier with the SX50's ability to zoom when needed and capture what I'm interested in photographing. I also loved the Guggenheim Museum, and have another blog coming up which will mention it. Definitely a "must see" when in Venice. Thanks for your thoughtful comments! One of these days we need to travel together!