Here we watched a glass-blowing demonstration at AVG, a large artisanal glassware shop. After the demo we were taken in to the showroom for a further demonstration of the beauty and merits of Venice's unique Murano glass, and then pitched with the possibility of a deal, if we were interested in making a purchase. A few of us caught the pitch, and made a purchase.
Following this, we headed across Venice's famous lagoon on another water-taxi, and put in at Venice's most known island (the whole city is on a tight collection of islands separated by canals and connected by bridges and a variety of watercrafts) to continue our day there.
Patrizia Introduced us to our local tour-guide, Anna, a 70-something former resident of Venice who told us much about the social history of the city, as it was in the past. For instance she noted that because the upper floors were preferred for living quarters, Venetians tended to be quite fit from all of the stair-climbing. (She said that if you see someone jogging in Venice they are likely not a resident, because residents don't need that sort of exercise.) Further, she explained that because of the lack of cars, and the narrowness of the streets, residents of the city have become known for their love of gossip, because it's simply so easy to overhear conversations on the street.
As we followed Anna from one location to the next she hummed and sang, serenading us through the "Whispers" (the wireless radio sets used to transmit her voice to all of us, so she does not need to speak loudly to be heard.). At first it was strange, but soon it became familiar and charming.
After the tour with Anna was finished, we headed over to one of the many Gondola ride companies and climbed in for a paddle down the canals. Although the three gondoliers were appropriately young, strong and capable, none of them sang for us. After the ride we asked whether there were any female gondoliers and were told that although some have tried recently - there is a test to ensure you can manage the gondola - none have as yet passed it. It is not that the are not allowed to do it, it is more that it's a job that's really hard to do - while you're padding. After the paddling is done, it looks like a pretty laid back kind of job.
After the gondolas Patrizia Showed us a few possibilities for lunch and then we went our own ways,-depending where our appetites led us. Most of us spent time in the Doge's Palace, saw the Rialto Bridge, and walked through St. Mark's Cathedral. At 4:45 after a tiring day of walking, shopping and seeing the sights, we got back on the water taxi for the ride back to the bus, and then to the hotel.
Before supper our Italy tour was made complete by a trip to Panorama, an Italian verson of Superstore, across the street from the hotel. That we found buying food and water in a grocery store was significantly less costly than buying it at restaurants and from street vendors.
All in all a grand day in the city of the Grand Canal!
