As Greece has jewelry stores, Venice has glass shops and many, many shops selling masks -- all kinds of masks -- in paper mache and ceramic. It did not take us long to figure out those items EVERYONE sells.
Tuesday, September 16
I awoke at 6:00 am and was out wandering the nearly deserted streets 30 minutes later. It was a bit early and my camera kept wanting to use the flash. It was a lovely walk with few people out and about. After breakfast, we took the vaporetto to Burano, about a 45-minute ride outside of Venice. This is where Kathryn Hepburn and Rosaro Brazzi had their rendevous in "Summertime." The island is indeed romantic. The houses are painted various bright colors. No cars -- just a few canals with fishing boats. It reminded me of the small fishing villages of Greece. I shot more than 30 exposures wandering the back streets; then I found the main shopping street -- not good as I was distracted from my purpose in coming here.
Monday, September 15, continued
I had a chance last night to wander for an hour or so before heading back to the airport to meet Maritza. Her flight was late, and we headed right to the pensione and went to sleep. After breakfast we hit the streets and walked all day. Everywhere I look there is something worthy of a snapshot. Bridges, gondolas, fascinating architecture. The areas around San Marcos and the Rialto Bridge are crowded and touristy -- we are grateful for where we're staying.
In the evening we experienced a traghetto, a gondola that just crosses the canal. It was a short ride -- just a few minutes -- and people stood the whole time. The cost was under a dollar.
