Murano

Murano

You won't be surprised to know that in Venice there's glass - lots of it. It's an ancient art and much prided by the locals. Interestingly though I didn't see many Venetian women wearing Venetian glass so maybe it's like bringing coals to Newcastle for them.

There are so many shops selling glass vases etc and jewellery it's hard to believe that they can all make a living. There's lots of warnings that a lot of the glass is made in China not Venice and may be sold as Venetian. There was some very cheap, clearly Chinese glass around but the shop owners we encountered were honest about which was which and we chose to believe them. Price was also a good indicator.

Because of the fire hazard glass has not been made in Venice since the 16th century but on the island of Murano a short distance away. We went there to visit. The colours and range of glass is extensive.

When we landed on the vaporetto we were skilfully directed to a glass making factory where the ancient art was on display - often handed on from generation to generation.

An unexpected bonus was seeing a little of how the locals live there. This man was selling vegetables from his boat and doing a steady trade.

We went to a  tabac or coffee bar and these men were happy to be photographed playing cards and socialising. There are some women in these places but mainly men. Hope the women are not all at home cleaning but have their own social life somewhere!

           So that's Venice - a lot of photos but hopefully gives you an insight into what it's like.