Murano & Burano - Islands of Venice

Can you believe we're already three weeks into the new year?  It's been a pretty good few weeks actually.  

January is typically my least favorite month of the year.  The holidays are over, back to work and the weather usually leaves something to be desired.  But we managed to squeeze in a fabulous weekend in Nice with an afternoon in Monaco.  The awesome views, blue skies and mild weather fed my soul a bit. I can't wait to start editing the photos.  We've also been having plenty of blue sky days in London.

In other news, Jessica had her first ultrasound!  (Be prepared for me to over use exclamation marks when I talk about being a grandma!)  The baby is perfect and wonderful! Just one baby.  (Little Momma's belly popped a little early and we were wondering about twins.) Jessica said he/she was wiggling around and tapping its feet.  I've taken to calling baby Tiny Dancer.  

My heart is bursting with love already.  I knew it would be pretty special but I had no idea how epic and life changing it would feel.  Jessica and John are over the moon.  Jess is dealing with morning sickness and fatigue, but handling it all like a champ.  She's almost through that first trimester.  If you follow me on instagram you'll get weekly baby bump photos (as well as pics of the Gigi shopping that has already started. Such fun!)

Can you believe I'm still posting about our weekend in Venice, Italy?   I told you I took an absurd amount of photos.  Today I'm sharing photos from our afternoon excursion to Murano and Burano.  If you go to Venice it's so easy to pop over to these two islands on the "vaporetti" or water buses.  Line 12 will get you to both.  

Our first stop was Murano which is known for its glass making.  In the 13th century, the foundries in Venice were all moved to Murano to protect the wooden structures of Venice from potential fires.  Murano became the center of glass-making in Europe.  Venetian glass and ornate glass chandeliers from Murano are known the world over.

We planned to look at the glass, but first things first... margherita pizza with a glass of vino in a sun dappled courtyard.  Once our stomachs were happy, we began to wander. 

Don't you love these amorous lampposts?

Murano is about a mile from Venice and is actually seven islands connected by eight canals with plenty of bridges to get you around and about. 

We strolled around for maybe an hour, visiting shops and studios, enjoying the beautiful canal views. 

Of course, a few purchases were made and at one of the shops we were able to see a glassblower in action. 

After a short wait, we hopped back on the vaporetti for a little longer trip to Burano.  This group of islands also connected by canals is known for its traditional lacework and colorful houses. 

Each home has an approved list of colors and any changes must be approved.  The doors were draped with striped clothes fluttering in the wind and the canals were rippling with the reflected colors.

How could you not be happy living in one of these bright happy homes with the water on your doorstep?

I definitely recommend a nice leisurely afternoon spent strolling Murano and Burano.  If you time it just right, you can catch the sun setting over the water on your boat ride back to Venice.  You haven't lived until you seen a sunset in Venice.  

Which was your favorite, Murano or Burano?

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