Venetian Island Tour

The day after I dropped my nephew at the airport, I took a tour of Murano, Burano and Torcello islands, it worked out cheaper than buying a public transport ticket (ferry) and doing it myself. The weather continued to be hot (low 30s) with over 50% humidity.

The Tour
We left from near the railway station and went through the port of Venice (where the trucks can get to) where they were loading small barges that could access Venice's canals. Then we stopped at a few places on the main island before heading to Murano. Murano is famous for its glass works. As part of the tour we visited one of the factories where we saw a demonstration of glass items being blown and moulded (or rather stretched). Very skillful and they do it so quickly. It was all quite regimented, as we walked into the factory we were surrounded on both sides by blazer clad men. Then we were individually directed where we were required to stand to watch (apparently based on height), then after the demonstration we were directed to their shop where the blazer brigade reappeared. No prices on any of the items, so I went off to see Murano as well as visit a few shops (with price tags) where I bought a coloured glass for 36 euros.
Next stop was Burano who also has a leaning tower! But it is more known for its brightly coloured buildings which was meant (at least traditionally) to help fishermen find their way home. I walked across a wooden bridge to the adjacent island Mazzorbo, where I found a quite "interesting" outdoor sculpture display called Suspended Animals (see photo).
Finally we visited Torcello, which is where Venice all started but it only has 11 residents now (due to expanding marshland) and the oldest Venetian church.
The passengers going on the tour were interesting. There was the couple that brought their baggage on the tour (including a guitar). Then there was a number of young women who spent most of their time on the ferry redoing their hair.
I am also not sure the Italians have got their pricing right. It was 3 euros to go into the Torcello museum but 1.50 for the toilet. Perhaps they could offer a combined ticket.

Other Observations
I don't think China has public telephones (probably harder to monitor who is using it) as I saw one taking a photo of himself using one. Also I think people have an addiction to water. They carry enormous bottles around and one even brought their bottle, attached to them by a carabiner, to breakfast. 

The Trip Back
I caught the train and bus back to Piran the following day. The train trip was quite uneventful for a change, although someone seemed to be practicising their opera singing at one stage. The bus trip to Piran was a bit more interesting. I had a driver I have had a few times, The Mechanic. I call him that because usually he is on the phone (hands free) discussing buying, fitting, or modifying car parts with someone. He seems to be very knowledgeable. Anyway at a roundabout somebody honked him. His response was to shout back: "Do you think I have to wait for you to get to the intersection". It's a regular problem with drivers trying to race ahead of buses at intersections to avoid getting stuck behind them.

That's all the trips for now until my Slovenian cycling adventure in July!

 

Venice Revisted

I admit it, it's one of my favourite cities. I thought I would take the opportunity to show my nephew around Venice before his flight back to Australia (from Venice Airport) and then spend a couple of extra days there. This blog covers the first couple of days, visiting the usual places. When I was coming back through St Marks square, I noticed an unusually short queue to go up the St Marks Bell Tower (same design as Piran's tower), so I took the opportunity to take in the view. It was still chaotic up there with only a small lift operating and a long queue to get down but the views were excellent (as you can see from the pictures).

However, as you probably expected, we had a view adventures...

Hotel
I have stayed at the same hotel in Venice a few times. I am beginning to wonder why. Sure, they have early check in, good service, and it is close to the railway station. However, it is getting increasingly expensive and the rooms aren't improving. The bathroom had a partially missing door frame, there was a missing light switch cover too, and mould. Given the size of it, I would say we had a monitor rather than a TV, and you can't open the windows because you will get eaten by mosquitoes (they’re huge, they must breed them on site). The beds were just long enough for an average person (I guess it makes the room look bigger). On top of the high room price I had to pay a 21 euro city tax (in cash), but I think I came ahead there as when I booked they were wanting 12 euros per person for breakfast extra, each day, but when I got the receipt at check in (of course they deduct the money from your credit card well before your stay) it included breakfast.
Talking about breakfast, one morning an American at one table started talking (i.e. shouting) to her friend on another table. Unfortunately, for a Japanese couple they were at a table in the firing line between them. Another time a mother came in with a small child gripping on to her with both hands, another younger child was reluctant to come into the breakfast room at all. He soon ran off pursued by an older brother. I guess they aren't used to eating breakfast in public.

Security Alert
At Venice airport I saw a Chinese person with luggage marked with the name "Franz". Only two explanations: he stole the luggage or he was on an espionage mission. Also I saw a lot of bags that were not only strapped but then wrapped with that plastic stuff. For me, that's just an indicator that they are hiding something.

Italian TV
What the Italians regard as entertainment is interesting. There was a quiz program which featured contestants wearing metal devices on their heads when answering questions, another time they were in an enclosed water tank with snorkels. Then there is the soccer programme which doesn't feature any footage just talking and often, arguing.

Italian Drivers
On the way to the airport, we caught a bus. A person in a Fiat was very brave. He first cut in front of the bus from the right. Then cut off the bus again by changing lanes, driving across two lanes, right across the bus. The bus driver was so impressed he gave the driver a round of applause.

Lessons Learnt
I haven't verified this with my nephew but I think he learnt the following from his first overseas trip:

• Italians are different. Including their version of Fanta.
• Slovenian bus drivers are personalities.
• Slovenia has good and cheap food.
• Never rely on me for navigation if you are in a hurry or don't want a tour of the general locality.
• I like walking, a lot.
• It can be hot in Europe.
• There are a lot knuckleheads in Europe (mainly tourists). His favourite phrase was: "It's their world and we're just living in it".

A Tale of Two Italian Towns

Hello, yesterday's visit was to two coastal Italian towns: Muggia and the major city opposite, Trieste. First, we took the bus(es) to Lazaret (at the Slovenian border), then walked down to Muggia. It is sort of a nice town, being a coastal resort but in their style the Italians have spoilt it a bit by inappropriately developing the harbour area. We ate at a restaurant in the pedestrianised area, that got 5 stars for food and one star for service, from us. We even had a funeral going on at the church a few doors down. The initial waiter was more interested in fixing lights, and cleaning up than he was in serving customers. He really did try to do everything possible to avoid customer contact. Thankfully, a more competent person took over but even she eventually took refuge behind the bar, inside, so I had to track her down to pay. It didn't seem a very efficient outfit to me. After lunch in Muggia, it was on to the pretty ferry ride to Trieste. However, again in Italian style, there were no signs or any other indication of where the ferry actually left from the extensive harbour area. I asked several people and eventually I found a group who appeared to be waiting for something. I was in luck, one of them was actually taking the same ferry. It's just as well as because not in my wildest dreams would I have thought to catch the ferry from where it actually left. We didn't stay in Trieste long as my nephew was not feeling too well and so we caught the bus(es) back to Piran.