Part 6: Final Entry

Here's the condensed version of my last two days in Venice:

Friday, June 6 - The Boeing crew needs only an hour or so to wrap things up at work, so we plan a group trip to the island of Murano afterward. Our transportation is provided by one of the glass companies there in the hope that at least one of us is a big spender. First, in the factory area, we watch glass-blowing artisans at work. Afterward we are taken to the gallery/showroom to view objects d'art ranging from weird to wonderful. Along with traditional glassware of every description, we see jewelry, sculptures, and dozens of bizarre Venetian-style chandeliers. Most of it is prohibitively expensive, however. The sales staff is, no doubt, disappointed when we leave without buying anything. Instead, I pick up a few more modestly priced items in one of the many shops lining Murano's main canal. Now it's on to Burano. After a leisurely lunch, we begin exploring the small island, which is known for its colorful houses and for lace-making: more shopping and photo ops. When we've finished, we catch a boat back to Venice and go our separate ways, meeting up a little later for dinner in Rialto. We take a table at an open-air cafe next to the Grand Canal with a view of the bridge (above). The food is excellent and there's a floor show as well: one very loud and jovial Frenchman at the next table. A short walk takes us to San Marco square for a nightcap and a little music.

Saturday, June 7 - Since the Boeing job is finished, Ron is free to spend the day (my last in Venice) with me. We've saved the popular attractions in and around San Marco to do together. First, we head for the Doge's Palace, which displays all the excessive grandeur we have come to expect of Venice. The prison next door is not so stylishly appointed. We cross back and forth between the two through the Bridge of Sighs, so named because it's said that the condemned sighed as they caught their last glimpse of Venice from there. Next, we go to the Campanile (the bell tower) and ride the elevator to the top. It's a clear day, so the 360 degree view is spectacular. From this perspective, I notice that all the canals of the city have completely disappeared, concealed by a sea of red tile roofs spread out in all directions. Beyond are the blue waters of the lagoon and its many other islands. Back on ground level, we proceed to the Basilica itself, which has a facade unlike any other church I've ever seen (see photo). The interior (as well as some of the exterior) is covered with intricate mosaic tile work, much of it metallic gold. It's impressive as it is, but it must really shimmer when more brightly lit ... All that remains to complete our Venice experience is the obligatory gondola ride. It may be a little pricey, but we cannot pass up this once-in-a-lifetime splurge. Ron pays the man and we settle in to savor the moment. Nicolai takes us on a 40-minute tour - half on the Grand Canal and half on smaller ones - with mood music conveniently provided by a serenading gondolier following not far behind us. Ah, the warm air, the lapping water, the evening light: enchanting and worth every penny. A waterfront table and dinner for two by the Rialto bridge provides a perfect ending to a perfect day.

Final Note: I left Venice the next day, carrying home a few treasured souvenirs and memories that will last a lifetime. Not that I doubted it before, but this trip has reminded me that there are a lot of tremendously interesting places worth visiting in this world. Yes, travel can be a real hassle, what with airport security, cumbersome luggage, challenging public transportation systems, and language barriers. But now I tell myself (and anyone else willing to listen), "Stop making excuses; get on a plane and GO!"