After a grand nights rest I was ready to take on day two in Venice. I started the day early per usual, and the first plan for day two was to island hop. There are water taxis that take people all over the inner canals of Venice, but there are also water taxis that take people to the surrounding islands. For 20 euro you can buy an all day pass for these taxis and ride them as many times as you’d like.
The first island on the route is Murano island, which is a well known island for glass blowing. After a stop into the glass blowing room, a wander around the shops selling glass, and a quick walk around the island, it was time to head to island number two – Burano Island, which was my favorite of all the islands. Burano island is well known for all the colorful houses, and for its seafood.
Burano Island is a fishing town, and according to the Google, the houses were painted bright colors to help the fisherman out at sea find their way home on foggy days. Whatever the reason, I loved the pops of color. I spent the longest time on Burano Island of all the islands I visited, and ended up eating lunch at a small outdoor place right by the water. I got a bowl of fried goodness consisting of potatoes, crawfish, squid, calamari, sardines, and anchovies.
The freshness was unparalleled.
If you can only make it to one island on your visit to Venice, make it Burano. The colors, the quiet, the food, and the feeling of getting off the beaten path from the busy city center are well worth the taxi ride.
From Burano I headed to Torcello, then to Mazzorbo, and lastly made a stop in Treporti. These were small and didn’t have much to see. Torcello had a beautiful cathedral, otherwise I’d skip these islands (unless you have a day pass, then it’s a “why not” situation.) I found two island cats on this day, but only one of them let me love on him. The grand total for the day was six islands if I included Venice, and 13 miles walked.
Torcello
Murano
Torcello
After island hopping for most of the day, it was time to head back to the main city center of Venice to prepare for the highlight of my trip. My first day in Venice while wandering I came across an old cathedral turned music hall called San Vidal, and it just so happened that a classical concerto would be playing both of the nights I was in Venice. I knew I had to go to one of the shows, so I planned to go my second night in the city.
The performance was only 30 euro, for about an hour and a half of beautiful serenading. Every performer had their own chance leading the group, which was a beautiful way to recognize each musician. No one was the star, and everyone was a team. The music was beautiful, and I got goosebumps time and time again. I also had some nice eye candy with an Adrien Brody look alike, and as I said on my Instagram – I don’t want kids, but I’d have babies with that beautiful Italian man.
Click the above link to my IG for a clip of their music.
Fourth from the left. Swoon.
How I felt when they played.
This was the perfect ending of my first trip to Venice, and the perfect birthday present to myself. I turned 30 the day after I returned to Germany, so I called this trip to Venice a birthday celebration. I knew I wanted to be in Europe for my dirty thirty, but I didn’t know where and I didn’t know how. It’s funny how the universe works when we manifest our desires. Nothing is impossible.
I’ll never forget entering a new decade after my trip to Italy. My mom sent me some candles, and after all the splurging I did in EATaly, I shoved them into an apple and called it a day. I was a bit freaked out at the idea of leaving my 20’s behind, but I’m more ready to kick that decade to the curb. The second half of my 20’s were rough, so I’m ready to grab 30 by the horns.
If my first month living in Germany is any kind of indicator of how my 30’s will begin, I’d say I have a great decade ahead.
Q: Do you like classical music?
