Murano and La Fenice

Just a brief note right now, as Annie and I are due to meet our friends in San Marco in half a hour.

Weather was gorgeous yesterday and we took the boat out to Murano. Pizza lunch outside in a lovely courtyard restaurant, then a fascinating glassblowing demonstration and a little shopping. Christian, the owner of the Gritti glass factor, saw us at the demonstration and took us around. I almost felt sorry for him. He said business was terrible with the expensive dollar and I really do believe he was offering us rock-bottom prices. Called Kevin in Chicago and asked what he'd feel about a Murano bowl as a wedding present and he was all over it, so I got him an exquisite little item. I'm going to have to send it as soon as we get home, otherwise the temptation to keep it would be too great. Agonized over a small wineglass with an incredible dolphin base which would have looked perfectly at home in the Met, but didn't do it. Got a little something for Suzan (who loves ya, babe?) and a beautiful small bowl for myself. If we have the time, I'm going back!

The opera was a huge success. We were at the second to the last row in the very top, so sightlines were a little problematic, but we were at the opera at La Fenice! We were both all dressed up and we (OK, Annie) got many admiring glances. Recently rebuilt since the horrific fire of the late 90's, the interior is amazing. I'll post photos. Most importantly, Annie loved it! She had been rapt watching the DVD, so she knew the plot, and followed along with no problem. And guess what -- supertitles! -- in Italian, of course, but it really helped me to follow it on my own.

We walked out on Cloud Nine and headed over to the Riva del Vin, right by the Rialto Bridge, where we sat outside and had a little dinner (me) and a big dessert (Annie) as the gondolas drifted by in the moonlight. The night ended as we walked home hand-in-hand humming the overture to one another. A perfect end to a perfect evening.

Day 7, here I come!