17 May our last day at sea and our first day in Venice

We woke up a little stiff from our exertions of the day before but we were excited to see Venice. We hopped into our bathing suits and headed for the hot tubs. Figured it was our last chance so best to take advantage. The weather was lovely and the hot tubs were crowded already even early in the morning so we only lingered for a short time. After changing and going for a leisurely breakfast we found a comfy spot on the deck and enjoyed our grand entrance into Venice.

I think that the only way to see Venice for the first time is on a big cruise ship. You are close enough to see little details and high enough to see the scale, I had no idea that the bay for Venice was so large. Somehow I had imagined an island off the coast, like Vancouver island but this was completely different.
the canals, the ships of all sizes, the buildings, the islands. the parks, it was marvelous!

The architecture and colours of the buildings and bridges and the different sizes of the canals was what really intrigued me. I loved he red tiled roofs and the tall leaning towers for, I think, clocks but maybe churches too, we could hardly wait to wander the streets.

Our progress to the wharf for the cruise ship took us right down the grand canal and past some of the most famous landmarks of Venice. St Marks Cathedral in St Marks Square and the Doges Palace. other buildings we could not as yet identify but they were magnificent  too.

Our cruise ship pulled in to the wharf and after a lovely light lunch we were off on our excursion to Murano and Burano. We took an open air boat, which was only a little chilly, to the islands. While underway our tour guide told us some interesting facts about the waterways and the history of the area. I had no idea. travelling is so good for just learning about our history and putting things into perspective.

Our first stop was Murano the glass capital of the world.
Murano is a series of islands linked by bridges in the Venetian Lagoon. It lies about 1.5 kilometres (0.9 miles) north of Venice and measures about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) across

We were shown to a workshop where the master glass blower did some wonderful glass blowing with really hot glass. spinning things around and cutting and blowing. really very good. then into the store where they wanted you to buy the 2000 euro pieces , but we all mostly went to the jewelry and we all mostly did spend a bit of money there. getting our lovely souvenirs of earrings and necklaces. We did look at the bigger pieces but one really needs a place to put those magnificent pieces to show them off properly.

After that we went to colourful Burano, the home of Italian lace.
the wives of the fishermen would paint the houses bright colours so that the fishermen could see their own house from a distance. the tradition has carried on and it is a rainbow of colour, a nice stop onto some lace shops , pick up a few souvenirs and a wander around the very bright streets of Burano.

Back onto our excursion boat and return to the ship and a lovely last night dinner. Repacked up our suitcases for our departure the next morning. We went to the front desk to pay our bill and were shocked to find it so high. We thought that we had paid for most everything before we came on board but I guess we did not. so paid that and then back to our room to put out our suitcases with our tags on for our 9 am departure. good bye Cruise ship , we loved you. the next part of our juorney was about to begin with a stay at our hotel in Venice and a train ride to Rome