Burano

Yesterday I walked around Venice and bought a mask which I haven't done in few years so it was really fun. I chose a traditional mask for women, it is black with small white swirls around the face, only two eye holes. Very mysterious. I had lunch at a small place behind the Rialto that has some of the best sandwiches in the world. Then I got a boat and made it out to Burano in the afternoon. I got to there around 1:30 and stayed until about 3. The island is about a 40 minute boat ride from Venice, first stopping in Murano then Burano. Just as Murano is known for glass, Burano is known for lacework. There are bright colored buildings, a million little lace shops, and a small canal. I want to live in a hot pink house too.

Yesterday evening I went to an old favorite restaurant and after dinner wandered to San Marco. There are dueling orchestras at all the major cafes on the square in the evenings. With the cathedral in the background, the lights around the square, people dancing, and the music it was one of the best moments of my entire trip. If any of you have seen the movie "Paris Je'taime" the last short video is of this american woman traveling in Paris. She has this wonderful moment one afternoon of being happy and feeling alive. If you haven't seen the movie, you really should, or at least watch this video. http://videos.sapo.pt/PURgOM4QTleLIsTW1bQ3 I love this clip and think of her often as I travel on my own. I spend a lot of time in my head, so to speak, listening to my own continuous monologue. But there have been these wonderful moments during this trip, where I feel so happy and so in love with the world I tear up and laugh simultaneously. Yes I am starting to get mushy, but I'll be home in four days, so I'm thinking a lot about the last month and a half. Well last night was one of those moments where I was in this blissed out, love the world and everyone in it mood.

Of course today I forgot to upload the pictures and video of the orchestra onto my computer. So look for them tomorrow when I get to Lake Como.

There are lots of things I have learned that I love in the States and the random things I've been homesick for. For example breakfast that consists of more than a pastry. The bar I am using for Wi-Fi has ESPN America playing. Now you know me, I only watch espn for Aggie football and the Washington Capitals Hockey. Even so, having on American tv channel showing sports announcers and watching the Stanley Cup playoffs made me come close to tears.

Tomorrow I say goodbye to Venezia and hop on a train to Milan at 9:50 am. I switch to a different train that takes me to Lake Como where I'll be staying in the town of Como for two nights. I should have wi-fi so expect lots of pictures of the lake! Then I had to Milan for my last night in Italy. I'm excited to come home but there is a lot I'll miss from Italy. For now I am content to watch the hockey game and drink a glass of prosecco!