We postponed our trip to Murano.  Both Nancy and I have nasty colds and we took our time getting up and getting out.  We wandered around and found more neat shops of all kinds.

I thought maybe I’d share some observations.  Nearly 100% of the shutters on the buildings are either green or brown.  I haven’t seen one single family dwelling here.  There are a few on Murano, but for the most part, everyone lives in apartments.

We’ve noticed when we go to the coffee shop in the morning that no one reads a book or newspaper, people talk and visit with one another.

People seem to enjoy nice clothes here.  We’ve enjoyed people watching and have noticed the lovely wool coats and sweaters as well as the unique designs.  I makes me want to dump my jeans and go buy something.  I suspect, however, that Venetians have fewer clothes, but what they have are stylish and of good quality.

We’ve had fun going to the grocery.  Eggs sit on a regular shelf…they are not refrigerated.  Eggs are sold by the half dozen.  Most wines are as cheap or cheaper than milk.  Soft drinks or sodas are very expensive both in a restaurant and a grocers.  We haven’t really seen potatoes anywhere.  Today I did see an American man eating an order of French fries, but that’s the only time.  No one eats as much meat as Americans.

Smoking is more apparent here.  It does seem like there are more smokers.

There are a lot of dogs here.  It’s interesting to watch them…most of them just know to follow their owner.  There isn’t really grass along the walkways, so occasionally you do have to be careful where you step.  Dogs are allowed in many businesses and seem to be part of the community.

Venice is made up of thousands of small businesses.  There are so many that seem to be pretty much the same, that it’s amazing to me that these people can make a living.  Most shops close for an hour or two in the afternoon.  I understand that the owners need to eat, but I also think it might be to encourage tourists to spend time in the many, many restaurants.

One thing we did experience today was aqua alta—the high water that washes up from a high tide or after a lot of rain.  While waiting in line for the Basilica tour we had to wait on risers.  This morning we had to board our vaporetto on risers to avoid getting wet feet.  We were behind a gentleman who was on crutches and had a friend pushing his wheelchair.  It was very apparent that it wasn’t easy for either of them.  There are many, many steps, bridges, uneven walkways and other obstacles.  We’ve only seen one bridge…the new glass one…that has accommodations for the disabled.

I think you can kind of see the risers…not easy to navigate even if you don’t have any mobility issues.

We haven’t made any plans for tomorrow, but the weather forecast said “abundant sunshine”.  I don’t think we can beat that!  Have a great day!