Venice - ITALY! Part 2 and Finale of our Tour

Greetings and welcome to the concluding chapter of our blog series.

This post is brimming with so many captivating photographs, marking the grand finale of our journey. It is a celebration of vivid colour, golden hour sunsets, enchanting boat excursions to exotic islands and of course my beautiful wife who was my amazing travel companion throughout this incredible journey.

Our Venetian adventure took us to Murano, the second-largest island in the Venetian Lagoon, renowned worldwide for its exquisite glassware. With 7,000 inhabitants and a timeless tradition of glassblowing, we marveled at the craftsmanship of a skilled artisan. Our souvenirs, including pretty jewellery for Lynette and a small delicate glass bee for me, serve as enduring reminders of this unique experience. 

Continuing our ferry odyssey, we docked at Burano, a kaleidoscope of colorful houses that has become one of the most visited islands. Every so often, it's compulsory for the neighbours to paint the façades of their homes and they are not allowed to choose the colour but are notified of the specific shade according to where their residence is located. A legend is told that the houses were painted with bright and cheerful colours so that the sailors could see them on gloomy or foggy days. Once more, my camera remained a constant companion, resulting in a plethora of photos showcased below! I found myself immersed in pure joy, truly in my element. Gratefully, the day unfolded with radiant sunshine, despite the brisk chill in the wind.

Returning to Venice, our ferry navigated us to Campo Santa Margherita for a leisurely stop before a final journey back to our tour starting point. Here, we were treated to the magical golden hour over the Grand Canal, with the sun setting behind the Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, a magnificent domed baroque church. The sight was adorned with moored gondolas and ornate Venetian lamp posts in the foreground, adding to the splendor of the moment.

Our last day in Venice beckoned us to wander through more alleyways and explore more parts of Venice we hadn't seen. As I mentioned previously in Part 1, Venice does not have many green spaces and those few that there are, Venetians keep them tight. Once again I was in search for some gardens and we came upon the Royal Gardens of Venice not far from where we were the previous day for the golden hour. They represent the green lung of Venice and overlook the basin of Piazza San Marco for 5000 square metres commissioned by Napoleon, who in 1807 decided to endow the Royal Palace with a green area.

After surviving wars, occupations, revolutions and neglect, the Royal Gardens of Venice reopened in 2019. Thanks to five years of restoration, some of the spaces of that time were preserved such as the neoclassical pavilion, the fence, the cast iron pergola and the drawbridge that is apparently still lowered today on special occasions to connect the gardens to Piazza San Marco. 

Unaware of its historical significance at the time, I marveled at the drawbridge beside the narrow canal and the exquisite wrought iron lacework. Capturing some photos, as seen below, I now feel a profound appreciation after stumbling upon this gem and discovering its rich history.

The moment had come to venture into another café and indulge in a variety of pastries. Our delight was palpable upon discovering a café nestled within a neoclassical glass greenhouse—an enchanting establishment named 'The Human Garden.' The allure doesn't end there; the dining experience is enhanced by striking red glass-topped brass tables. These unique features not only make for an amazing ambiance but also offer a perfect setting for capturing reflective photos.

Returning to our apartment for the last time, we were treated to a splendid sunset along the canal, a fitting farewell for our last night in Venice. 

The next morning marked our early departure back to Munich. Fully aware that navigating our heavy luggage over numerous bridges to reach the train station would be too difficult, Lynette arranged for a water taxi a day in advance. It came right to the door of our apartment building—an absolutely perfect solution! Though not the most budget-friendly option, every Euro spent was well worth the comfort and ease it provided. As we glided through the waterways, sitting in the back of the boat, we couldn't help but feel a touch of James Bond sophistication. It turned out to be a delightful and stylish way to bid farewell to Venice.

Once more, the train journey proved to be incredibly picturesque and a great relief of not having to sprint for the next connection in a seven-minute dash. Returning to Munich, where our European journey began, evoked a bittersweet sentiment. This time around, navigating the city was more familiar, and we knew exactly where to go to catch a taxi to reach our airport hotel for the final night in Germany. Munich greeted us with a colder embrace, transformed into a winter wonderland compared to our arrival a month earlier. The sight of snow everywhere once again brought a smile to our faces, concluding our journey with a mix of nostalgia and contentment.

Concluding this last blog post, Lynette and I extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our family and friends who offered prayers throughout our journey. Thank you for praying that we remain safe and in good health. We certainly felt secure, stayed healthy, sensed the presence of God and at times felt guided by His angels. Thank you for your support, words of encouragement and 'travelling' with us throughout Europe!