Venice Film Festival...or something like it.

October 12, 2009

I am determined to be at the Venice Film Festival next year and see all the stars on the red carpet. But until then, I'll update you on our most recent trip to Venice.

ASHLEY & MATT vacationed in Italy for their 10th anniversary, and it just so happens we were nearby to meet up with them. They dropped the kiddos off in Texas and did Venice up right--hotel on the water, etc. etc. My favorite moment was crossing the bridge nearest their hotel, looking up, and seeing Ashley's head pop out of her balcony. HHHHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIII! We were silly excited and she ran downstairs for hugs all around. Matt was there too and Evan but we were giddy as schoolgirls and they contained their excitement to a normal level.

We started off with a private boat ride from their hotel to Murano (the island where they handblow glass) and Burano (island of handmade lace items).

Heating the glass and cutting it off. He made a swirly piece to stick out from a lamp.
Onto Burano. There are a little over 3,000 people who live on the island. The houses are all painted a different color (there are 64 colors). Once someone marries, they take on that color of the new family.

Burano piazza.

Lunch in Burano at Romero's with yummy seafood, some gelato, lots of chatting--great afternoon.

Sister pic.

In between lunch and gelato, we both made purchases at La Perla where we saw so much handmade lace--beautiful. There are no new apprentices for lace-making (according to our La Perla lady). The oldest lacemaker is 93 years old and the youngest is 53 years old, and they are only allowed to make lace 3-4 hours/day.

The rest of the afternoon we wandered into St. Mark's Basilica just in time for it close as soon as we walked in. But that was plenty of time to see the paintings, the floor, the tilework, the frescoes--I mean, amazing. No pics out of respect.

We wandered into the Campanile and up the elevator for these great views of the city.

Ash & Matt's hotel (white facade) is even with the vaporetto (water taxi/bus) you see mid-picture.

St. Mark's Basilica domes.

San Giorgio Maggiore--across the lagoon from St. Mark's Square.

The Grand Canal.Top of Campanile.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

After a pizza dinner and walking through St. Mark's at night all lit up, we left A&M for a vaporetto and got some great pics from the Grand Canal at night.

St. Mark's Square at night. It transforms under the lights.

View from the vaporetto on the way back to the train station. Venice at night is a must-see.

The Rialto Bridge.

We caught the train back to Sacile and arrived home late but it was more than worth it to spend time with Ashley & Matt.