This morning, after the family met for breakfast, we walked down to the fish market to see the street vendors peddling the morning’s fresh catch. Amid the swordfish, squid, octopus and shrimp, were vegetable and fruit sellers showcasing their colorful merchandise.
(Above is the famous Rialto Bridge which is near the fish and vegetable markets)
(Okay, so there is a running joke in the family that my dad and Adam are in a competition every year to grow the best tomatos. We moved this year so we were unable to plant very many this year (Adam had constructed his own garden at the old house). Of course, my dad's are growing like crazy and are almost past the top of my head. Adam is very persistant and insists that my dad comes over and pees on his tomatos at night when he is not looking. That is why the below picture was taken. Adam was a real sport.)
Not only did we see many different kinds of seafood we also saw a butcher store that sold nothing but horse...as in Mr. Ed kind of horse!
After eating lunch, we split into couples to explore Murano and do some shopping. While we were there, we stopped by a glass factory to watch several artisans blow glass. It was fascinating to watch some loose beads transform into a beautiful piece of art. We took the water bus to a stop near our bed and breakfast and dropped off some of purchases before venturing back out.
Then it was time for the big Venetian finish….the gondola ride. Our family didn’t take one during our last trip to Venice (it was cold and rainy), so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. We had a wonderful gondolier, who sang loud songs in Italian as he expertly guided our gondola through the canals as the sun was setting. He laughed and danced and pointed out the house where Casanova lived and the church where Marco Polo was buried. Adam and I enjoyed our time together during the truly magical experience and enjoyed making a memory I’ll never forget.
This morning, after the family met for breakfast, we walked down to the fish market to see the street vendors peddling the morning’s fresh catch. Amid the swordfish, squid, octopus and shrimp, were vegetable and fruit sellers showcasing their colorful merchandise.
(Above is the famous Rialto Bridge which is near the fish and vegetable markets)
(Okay, so there is a running joke in the family that my dad and Adam are in a competition every year to grow the best tomatos. We moved this year so we were unable to plant very many this year (Adam had constructed his own garden at the old house). Of course, my dad's are growing like crazy and are almost past the top of my head. Adam is very persistant and insists that my dad comes over and pees on his tomatos at night when he is not looking. That is why the below picture was taken. Adam was a real sport.)
Not only did we see many different kinds of seafood we also saw a butcher store that sold nothing but horse...as in Mr. Ed kind of horse!
After eating lunch, we split into couples to explore Murano and do some shopping. While we were there, we stopped by a glass factory to watch several artisans blow glass. It was fascinating to watch some loose beads transform into a beautiful piece of art. We took the water bus to a stop near our bed and breakfast and dropped off some of purchases before venturing back out.
Then it was time for the big Venetian finish….the gondola ride. Our family didn’t take one during our last trip to Venice (it was cold and rainy), so this seemed like the perfect opportunity. We had a wonderful gondolier, who sang loud songs in Italian as he expertly guided our gondola through the canals as the sun was setting. He laughed and danced and pointed out the house where Casanova lived and the church where Marco Polo was buried. Adam and I enjoyed our time together during the truly magical experience and enjoyed making a memory I’ll never forget.
(Below is a picture of Adam and I with our fabulous singing gondolier - he was amazing….and hilarious!)
After a forty-minute gondola ride through the inner canal system, Adam, Stephanie, Joey and I met back up with mom and dad to go to dinner. But first, mom and dad brought over delicious appetizers of prosciutto-wrapped melon. Then, we went to a restaurant just around the corner from Piazza Saint Marco. Dinner was great and was, of course, followed up with a little more shopping and our last chance for true gelato.
As we pack our things to get ready to leave for home tomorrow morning, we all reflected on how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family that truly enjoys spending time together and experiencing the world. We’re looking forward to our next family trip - who knows where it will be? Until then…Ciao, my friends!
Hey, I just saw your FB post and thought I'd check out your blog. I keep a blog about Austin and love it when people I know start to blog as well...I'm always looking for new ones to "stalk!"
ReplyDeleteAnyway, looks like you had a fabulous time in Italy...what an awesome family vacation! So many great pictures, too! I bet it's bittersweet getting back to the US after such a trip.
LOVED the pictures and all the descriptions and stories..so great! Makes me wanna go SO bad!
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