Rise and shine, feeling much better, we went downstairs for the complimentary breakfast. Croissants, muffins, cereals, yogurts and coffee are available. The dining area is quite small but we were lucky to get a table quickly. Fully charged, we started our exploration (more like mine since Bel already started hers yesterday).
It is fun walking amongst the alleys of Venice. It is as if walking in a huge maze but then there are plenty to see around. The famous Venetian masks were plentiful here in Venice. Of course, those smaller ones sold on the stalls are relatively cheap if compared to those sophisticated handmade, real-size mask in specialty stores. The Bauta mask covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gliding. A half-mask with gold and silver stripes and jeweled eyes is called a Columbino that you hold up to your face with an attached stick. Other popular shapes include large, hooked noses, black and white checkered diamonds called a Harlequin pattern, and bright red, pursed lips. The masks are painted / designed in gold, silver, royal purple, sunny yellow, and other bright colors. Further decorations include sequins, silk ribbons, exotic bird feathers, faux fur, rhinestones, leather, gold charms, glitter, and any other outlandish gems.
Murano glass, a famous product from the Venetian island of Murano is also another popular souvenir to get from Venice. Many shops on the Venice island are selling rather similar products made of Murano glass; paper-weights, pendants, jewelries, small décors, etc. I was especially attracted to the murano glass concerto band which is rather expansive. They were just so cute. We came across a shop specializing in Murano glass products and there was a glass-maker crafting at a small workbench. The glass-maker motioned us to enter the shop and we got to see how quickly and beautifully he crafted a butterfly out of several glass sticks. I was too engrossed with his craftsmanship that I totally forgot to take a photo of the process. A short boat trip over to Murano Island, you’ll be spoilt with various Murano glass products that are so much more unique and creative. You can find larger art pieces for home décor here too. Some of historical factory of glass in Murano are today the most important brand of glass in the world.
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