The birth of the Rosetta cane which is used to produce Chevrons owes its creation to a 14th century woman. The daughter of an even then famed Murano Glass Blower and furnace owner, Angelo Barovier. This is a family line which continues today in Murano. Maria Barovier was given an order of the Doge on 2…
Traffic Jam Cruise Ships Venice
Since its birth, Venice and La Serenissima have survived the invasion of the Ottomans, the French, the Spanish, the Popes, the Austrians (and I have probably left out a few), but the invasion of the giant ships may be the last straw. The weekend of 21 September saw an invasion of the giants in numbers never…
I Love Montana Bracelet Design
Make this Swarovski designed bracelet in just a few minutes. The abundance of Swarovski Crystals makes a statement. For the free design instructions which you can download and print as well as a list of supplies, click on the picture or Click Here It features the new Swarovski Blends of Crystal/Montana strung on memory wire.…
All About Gondolas
The origins of this boat date back to 1094, written in the records of the Doge Vitale Falier. Paintings and drawings from the late 1400s and early 1500s document their prevalence in society, though not as elaborate as the 1800s. Today there are approximately 500 gondola in Venice, all controlled by the society. This is a…
Incident on the Grand Canal
It has been a difficult summer in Venice, Read about the major Incident on the Grand Canal.
Ca’ Rezzonico Palazzo Venice
Ca’ Rezzonico is a prominent Palazzo on the Grand Canal in Venice. With a rich history from 1649, it is probably best known today as the residence of Robert Browning, the poet who died there in 1889. Like all the Palazzo of Venice, they are lovely old ladies who have seen a lot of changes. Each time…
More Traffic on the Grand Canal
The discussions on how to best control the traffic in this narrowest stretch of the winding canal continue, in official meetings, between residents, and is rehashed daily in the newpapers. Vested interest abound on all sides, with no one wanting to give an centimeter (literally). And I can’t picture the Grand Canal without all these wonderful…
Pickpockets & Gypsies – Oh My!
UPDATE on the problem with Gypsies!This summer has seen more “gypsies” in Venice than normal and they have gotten progressively more aggressive. Their newest business ventures are selling vaporetto tickets, baggage handling and tourist information.But there’s a bit of a hitch in these new ventures.(1) They are selling used vaporetto (imob) tickets they have recovered from the…
Cruise Ships in Venice
Update: Cruise Ship Comes Dangerously Near Venice Read about the fight to ban these “Mega” Cruise Ships from Venice and the “No Grande Navi” Protests.
Murano Glass Factory
The glass factories of Murano have long been a tourist favorite to visit and watch a small horse being made. The maestro (though usually not a maestro, rather a production glass blower who has been hired to demonstrate to the tourist). The major work goes on in the furnaces off the main streets in Murano.…