Well it turns out my favorite travel show is going to my favorite city to find the real Venice. I think that this is a great idea. I am not sure how Anthony is going to like Venice because I know from watching the show that he detests tourist traps and Venice can certainly be one of them if you are not careful and do not know where to go.

So after watching the show I hope to put a review of it on this blog to tell you what I really think of Anthony’s impresson of this great city. I am not sure if I will like it but at least it will be something new.

The origins of this island are still in doubt and the name of the city has two very distinct stories as well. Some believe the island of Burano came from people who settled from an other island called Buranello which is five miles south of the city. Others however believe that this island was settled by members of the Buriana family. The island did not gain any prominence until the 16th century when the craft of lace making was refined here. A school was later built to teach the craft and much of the work of the island was exported to all parts of Europe who were eager to buy the lace.

So what is there to do on the island of Burano? Well unlike Venice this island is not swamped with as many tourists and hence it is much easier to get around. If you wanted to know what Venice felt like earlier this century then visit this island as it is like stepping back in time. The island is very popular with artists who prefer the brightly colored homes over the contrasted stark nature of the buildings in the city of Venice. There are a few attractions to see on this island such as the Church of San Martino and the Museum and School of Lacemaking.

I certainly would not consider this island to be hub of a bustling young nightlife as it is truly an Italian city which is pretty laid back as most people just enjoy a night out with friends and family. However if you should get the time to see this island I am sure that most will enjoy it.

The ACTV has just posted up an update to their fares on their website. The details are just too numerous to go over and you should really think ahead or consult a local as to what is the best option for you to choose when purchasing a ticket.

Each ticket can be purchased in 12 hour blocks that are activated after the first swiping of the card. Of course the currency that is in use is in Euros as the Italian Lira as been completely phased out by now.

Here is the fare schedule:

12 hours – 14 Euros
24 hours – 16 Euros
36 hours – 21 Euros
48 hours – 26 Euros
72 hours – 31 Euros

Of course pick the card that is the most cost efficient for you to use based on how long you stay. Also keep in mind that you can purchase a month long card that gives discounted rates. If you are a senior citizen or a student there are also some other considerations as well. This I guess is a bit of housekeeping in order to keep this blog as up to date as possible.

For instance if you want to get robbed by buying your bags from the various street vendors feel free. However most Venetians buy their clothes from the COIN department store where the prices are three times cheaper. If you do not know how to find this store simply ask one of the hotel workers or a local where to find it I am sure they are willing to help you out.

If you are into looking for leather goods such as jackets, hand bags and the like the best place to go is called Kalimala which is in the Castello sesteri. And if you shoe should happen to break and want to have it repaired then the best place for that would be Risuola Tutto di Giovanni Dittura which is in the Dorsoduro district. Either store will be surely cheaper then if you bought near the Rialto or St. Mark’s Square.

If you are looking for a place to buy your coffee the most recommend store would be Caffee Costarica which is in the Cannaregio sesteri. For the wine lovers I would recommend the store Cantinone gia Schiavi which is one of the oldest wine shops in the Dorsoduro neighborhood.

Perhaps you are more in the mood for some kitchenware. For that particular need I would recommend L’Arca which is on the island of Santa Croce. Of course most of the other shops that offer glassware are on the island of Murano as that is to be expected. However if you do choose to go to the island I would recommend only shopping at CAM and Carlo Moretti because both have a great reputation for quality and service.

What if you are looking for the genuine Carnavale masks? There is really one or two places that make traditional Venetian masks. One store that still makes the masks the old way is Giorgio Clanetti which is in the Castello sesteri. Since these masks are so rare it is best if you call ahead at the following phone number 041-522-3110. For costumes during Carnvale the only place that I know of is Tragicomica which is in the San Polo neighborhood.

I hope that if you do go to Venice that you check these stores out. They are surely worth a visit as I am sure they will help your wallet out by not catering exclusively to tourists. Since the locals use these stores this is yet another way to soak up the culture of Venice and perhaps even get yourself a good deal as well.