Islands..........A FAVORITE THING

Much of my life seems to have revolved around islands. Born and grew up on one, visited many, from warm Hawaii to cold sub-Antarctic..............sharing some recent pics here of the stunningly beautiful Venetian islands.

Boating out from Piazza San Marco on a short trip to see the islands of Murano and Burano. Above shows the infamous enclosed limestone Bridge of Sighs(Ponte dei Sospiri), built in 1602, connecting the prison to the interrogation rooms in the Doge's Palace.  

The bridge was given its name by Lord Byron, suggesting that prisoners would sigh at their final view of beautiful Venice through the barred windows before being taken to their cells.

Water was a bit choppy but sun was shining on the city 

as we crossed Bacino di San Marco, and circled around 

into the Venetian Lagoon where the islands are situated.

Arriving at Murano first, we had a quick visit to a glass 

blowing studio - no flash pics permitted so didn't manage 

to take any worthwhile ones - then into the shops to look 

at glass creations which left one in awe - 

from gigantic chandeliers to the tiniest glass 

beads full of brilliant color and beauty. 

Murano was settled by the Romans in the 

6th century as a fishing port. All Venetian glassmakers 

were forceably moved from Venice to Murano in the 

12th century to prevent fires in the city. 

Next island was Burano which was my favorite. As the daughter 

of an accomplished dressmaker, being handy myself with a 

needle my entire life has made me love anything to do with sewing!  Burano is all about lace.

Sadly, lacemaking by hand with needles is now rare as it is extremely time-consuming and therefore very expensive. 

This lovely lady, a lace maker her entire life, demonstrated 

for us, while her smiling husband poured 

small glasses of the best ever Prosecco (BelStar) along with 

tiny butter cookies called Burano Biscuits. 

Burano is also known for it's brightly painted buildings along the canals. The colors of the houses follow a specific system.  If someone wants to paint their home a request must be sent to the government who will respond with colors permitted for that particular lot.

We were surprised by a funeral procession slowly moving 

along this canal.

Always walls in beautiful colors, and many religious items.

Bob and me enjoying the warm sunshine as we discovered 

the small back water canals - and my lovely lacy grey scarf, 

a Burano gift from Paula - to remind me of the special day.

Heading back to Venice................... 

............island hopping always fun, and never more beautiful than here! Definitely A FAVORITE THING.

Linking to Mockingbird Hill Cottage for Claudia's A FAVORITE THING Saturday. Stop by for some great reads.