Good Day + Sad Day...

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Geo: 45.4345, 12.3384

Well, it's been a very good day and a bit of a sad one too. Jim's leaving in the morning and then I'll be on my own, it would be better if the school situation was different but as of now it is back up in the air, more details later.

We met our friends at 9 this morning, went to the tourist office, got Jim's info and best advice on which vaporetto to take in the morning and bus to take to the airport and how much time it should take. He bought his bus ticket while there so he's all set after checking in online too.

Off we went walking to the vaporetto stop Fondemente Nove to get to the outer islands. A forty minute water bus ride is about how long it takes to get To the furthest one first which is Torcello, on our walk to the church which was built in the 600's we saw a boat that was advertising fishing excursions, maybe something for the future....
Decided to take the guided tour of the church for 9,50 euros, well worth it so we would know what we're looking at ;-). Very interesting to hear about the history of it and have the huge "story" in mosaic on the wall explained. There is a lot of sad and unbiblical teaching in some of these places, too bad people couldn't or in some cases weren't allowed to read the Bible for themselves to see what is actually taught.
Outside it was raining, happy I brought our umbrella along but we ducked into a restaurant another tourist couple had recommended on our walk from the water bus to the church. They were kind enough to take our picture on the bridge we walked past. It is a restaurant that Queen Elizabeth, Princess Diana, and Elton John have all visited, called Ristorante Cipriani (I think...) anyway we stopped to get a hot chocolate and get out of the rain. I asked (remember one of my lessons?) if there was a "coperto" or cover charge (most places do in Venice and a lot all over Italy) they said they do and it was 9 euros a person! Well, this girl is not going to pay 9 euros to sit at a table for a hot chocolate and then pay for that too.... So off we went to another place, I asked there also but no coperto if you were just having a snack but if you were having dinner it would be 2,50 for the coperto. So this one was the winner and it was a delightful outdoor covered sitting area overlooking a nice garden. Winners all around!

Back to the vaporetto, the guys are totally soaked by the rain and we decide to skip the lace making island (Burano) and just head over to the glass one (Murano) as that was what we were all more interested in. In one glass shop/factory we were invited to go into the actual furnace room (all the other tourists were watching from outside in the rain! So we felt pretty privileged as it was nice to stay as long as we wanted, they were making a beautiful piece of sculpture, we left tips and we're happy we got to watch these amazing craftsmen do what they do so effortlessly, at least they make it look effortless.

Did some shopping and browsing, fun to go into the shops and see all the different and beautiful things made from glass. Didn't stay too long as it was continuing to rain, although the others bought the temporary rain coats which helped then stay a bit drier now. Decided to go back to our area, went back to the grocery store, parted from our friends, and had a leisurely dinner, then off to the ATM as the cash seems to disappear rather quickly ;-)

Now Jim is packed, I've packed a bit also as I leave the following morning.

So the school situation is the following. After being so happy to finally be situated with my lodging, when I got back to the apt. I had an email and phone message saying they fell through... How about this other place for quite a bit more money plus I have to ride the bus to school and not be within walking distance. The gal I've been working with had already left, the guy is NEVER available by phone and hardly by email. I called twice to talk with him but then he was gone. So tomorrow morning after dropping Jim off at the bus station, my mission will be to get ahold of someone at the school and get this figured out. I am seriously considering changing my plane ticket and going home early. At this point I'm ready to go home but am trying to be open to what God has planned for me, perhaps home or perhaps a wonderful 2 weeks at the language school. Will keep you up to date, if you think of me please pray for calm nerves and a great situation.

Will post photos!

Steps (even with the battery dying): 14,914. Flights: 23. Miles: 6.46 at 10:03 will probably get a few more steps in before bed but I"m heading there in a few. I think the Fitbit kept track even with the dead battery?

Ciao!
Wendy

P.S. Would love to hear from any of you!

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Photos

A view from the vaporetto on Mazzorbo
On our way to Torcello

Comments

[Kath]

Hi Wendy and Jim, wish this part of your blog were ending on a more upbeat note, but nice that you got to see the glassblowing and not get too soaked. I was sad that I lost the little murano glass bracelet Moira had given me in Hawaii, thin
k a maid had light fingers, but no proof. Still have the millefiori pendant, though, which I love. Such beautiful workmanship, I would like to see it made someday (and get a replacement). Am praying for the Lord's peace and wisdom for you in your school/travel decisions, and for safety and peace for Jim and you as you part ways for now. Love,Kath

[wendy2007]

Thank you Kathy for your prayers! Jim should be boarding now. Sad about your bracelet but you would enjoy seeing Venice, it's such an unusual city, their own unique set of problems with literally living right over sea water.

[Karen Hull]

Smurfs! You both look very happy despite the rain. :)

[Karen Hull]

My mouth is watering! The olive/tomato/mozarella combo looks especially delicious!