Murano

Took the vaporetta to Murano, the island famous for glass. It seems like every shop sells glass (what else would you expect really :)) and I do love it, but it can be overwhelming with so much of it. My favourites are the large chandeliers, but unfortunately they wouldn't fit into my 10kg carry on case and the excess baggage fee would have been too excessive! I believe you can get your large purchases sent home though.

The picture is a 'glass garden' in one of the squares. What else but glass!

Bit of history on Murano:
Most historians identify the beginning of the Murano glass blowing tradition at around the end of the 10th century, more precisely in 982. Domenico Fiolarious is mentioned in an official document as a glass blower on the small island of Murano.
In 1291 Murano becomes the center of glass when all glass makers are ordered to move their foundries there. Before 1291, most Italian glass foundries were located within the borders of Venice which created too much of a risk of fire to the mainly wooden buildings and structures of Venice. So in 1291 the Venetian Senate decreed that the industry be removed from Venice and on to the Island of Murano. Murano's glass makers were soon the island's most prominent citizens.
In the 14th Century Murano glassmakers were allowed to wear swords and enjoyed immunity from prosecution by the Venetian state.
However, the downside was that the glassmakers were not allowed to leave the Venetian Republic to safeguard the glass-blowing manufacturing techniques. Penalties were ordered for glass blowers who shared their glass-blowing techniques with other countries. With all of this, some Murano glass craftsmen still took the risk to leave and set up glass furnaces in surrounding cities and countries including England, Belgium and France.

What a fascinating history for a small place.

Whilst there, ate lunch by one of the canals at ?15 for spaghetti marinara with a gorgeous sauce, calamari fritti, and side salad. All washed down with white wine. The fish of course is so fresh and the flavours so delicate it was my favourite meal of the trip.

I found that the menus consisted of a pasta, risotto or soup first course (primo) and then a fish or meat dish either on it's own or with a side dish (second course). You can also have an appetiser (antipasti) to start with of cold meats etc. and of course desserts. I saved my desserts for a gelato at one of the many vendors whilst walking along.

The scenery and the weather were magical.

Nikon D7000