August 19th A day to explore...

Aviva and I decided to get up early this morning so that we could make an early start in the San Marco square before the crowd sets in. Oh we had big ideas about taking a ton of pictures without being squished up. The alarm went off at 0500 and we were heading down the stars at 0545 very quietly in order not wake anyone. Marble floors amplify anyones footsteps. As it turns out, we were locked in! Plan B---we head up to the forbidden roof top haven to take pictures of the morning sun set against the old brick houses and it was a small satisfying detour while we waited for someone to get up to let us out. We lasted 15 minutes and tried our luck again, this time a sleepy and curious owner came out to investigate the cause of the many footsteps in the lobby and when he saw us he rubbed his eyes and looked at his watch---and we just moved closer to the door---yay freedom! We made it to the square in record time and there enjoyed the entire square to ourselves.

After a cappucino we made our way to pick up lunch for a day on Murano island (the originating location of glass making in Venice). A water bus takes you to your chosen destination---we had amazing views of the city and a warm breeze to bask in.

We were able to see a descendant of one of the great glass blowers of Venice create two items right before our eyes. The whole lot of us (because they do a tour-like showing)were organized on bleachers just like a grade three choir class, all snug side by side and row by row. It didn't take long for you to start feeling extra warm with a burning oven in the center of the room! It was pretty neat---the guy made a horse and he literally pulled the little things legs out one by one until the horse looked like life was being breathed into it. We later learned that such glass will explode after a demo as 'perfect' pieces need to be heated to a bizillion degrees and then cooled for 24hrs until they can be touched).

On our way back to the canal, we decided to visit a cemetery, also on an island. For 2 euros we had an afternoon of peace and quiet and tons of visually different types of tombs, crypts, and graves. The Italians take funerals seriously and this is reflected in the monumental and dramatic presentation of each family's heritage.

Once back on familiar turf, we stopped to pick up some fresh fruit, a slice of pizza, a bottle of vino, and some pastries. 5pm we are up here in the hidden haven on the roof top with the sun blazing hot. There's a little breeze which makes our dinner time very pleasant. I tell you the grapes out here are fat, succulent, and they literally burst in your mouth! Aviva is reading and soon we will download our pictures of today's activities. The church bells are donging away, it is 6pm and I can practically hear the guy yanking on the rope we are so near.

Well this is enough for now and I'll get to the pictures.