A month of memories

Today was our last full day in Italy and in direct contrast to yesterday, the sun was shining.  We were up early to make the most of the opportunities the day would bring, and following a hearty breakfast, we walked to the water-taxi wharf and  bought a ticket to Burano island. 

Although small, it is a most colourful island with brightly painted houses lining the streets and canals. Tourism is Burano’s main industry today, but it has been famed for its lace-making since the 16th century; a craft that continues on the island to this day. 

After two hours of happy wandering, photographing the unique houses and browsing the large number of shops selling everything from fridge magnets, to expensive clothes and beautiful fabrics, parasols made from lace and anything imaginable made from Murano Glass, we made our way back to the ferry for the hour-long return trip. 

We found somewhere for lunch in the back streets just off San Marco Square and then went back to the hotel for a short respite. 

By 4 pm we were hitting the streets again, this time in a new neighbourhood. We walked across Venice to the Northernmost Cannaregio District, passing piazzas that had no stalls selling mementos to tourists, but instead were filled with the sounds of children playing ball games and old men sitting on benches under trees, talking and gesticulating. We saw the railway station and the big footbridge used to enter Venice by people arriving by train. We shopped for last minute souvenirs and gifts, buying takeaway Spritz's to sip while we browsed. 

Finally, we walked back through the narrow alleys between buildings, beside canals and over bridges, just in time for our dinner booking under umbrellas in another pretty square. As we shared our last meal together there was much laughter, many stories told from our travels - highlights and humorous incidents - and a camaraderie that only this type of travel can grow.