My second day in Venice was not actually spent on the island of Venice, but on the small fishing island of Burano. There are 127 islands around Venice! Known for its colorful homes that line the quiet canals, I knew I would be spending some time on Burano, strolling the tiny walkways and appreciating the pops of color every step of the way.

I didn’t wake up too entirely early; again, I have a hard time falling asleep before maybe 1 AM. When I did wake up around 10, I got ready and set out to find my morning cappuccino. I walked in the direction of the vaporetto station, or water bus, on the water closest to St. Mark’s Square. I found a little local caffetteria off the tourist streets.

A chocolate cappuccino and an espresso cannoli; oh my goodness, yes. Grazie, Majer Venezia.

I finally find the correct station (there are 6 of them along the water) and overhear a lady in front of me asking the attendant how to get to Burano. I follow the same directions and buy my ticket at the self service booth, planning to transfer boats once. At first, all of the public transit was VERY overwhelming for me. I’m not a city girl. I rode my first public train as an adult just three weeks ago in Denver. I’ve never used a subway before my time in Italy and I’ve definitely never traveled by water bus, before. I can say this: I’ve become MUCH more confident in my capabilities to get from point A to point B.

Ciao, Venezia! Being on the water was extremely calming and I definitely enjoyed the ride.

After about 45 minutes to an hour on the water, transferring boats after just 2 stops, we arrive at our destination.

I spend an hour and a half walking and relaxing. I passed by little shops selling lace, as this island was once known for its handmade lace products. There’s even a museum dedicated to it! They also sold hand-blown glass from the neighboring island of Murano. Incredible little candies!

I took too many pictures. You’re welcome.

peep the pigeon photo-bomb

All of that walking meant I was getting hungry. Finding a place with food wasn’t exactly challenging, but some restaurants required prior reservations and others looked like tourist traps. I settled on one that looked like a good in between that had pizza on the menu.

Quatro formaggi e un bellini, per favore.

The (very cute) waiter obliged and once I was done with my first bellini, I ordered a second. He put more in the second one. Grazie mille.

To add: in Italy, you don’t share your pizza. You get an entire pizza to yourself. Everyone orders their own. No sharing. I love it.

I met a cute little couple of ladies from Britain at the table next to me. We chatted. Afterwards, I asked if one of them would mind taking my picture. She did a good job for not knowing what the hell she was doing.

A bit more walking. A few more pictures.

I asked a gentleman on a bridge to take my picture and he went all the way as to ask the guy next to me to move out of frame. Love to you, friend.

After 3 hours or so on the island, it was a little after 4 and time to head back to Venice. I walk back to the vaporetto stop and buy another ticket. That was the one downfall, each ticket last 75 minutes after you time stamp it (aka validate it) and that means you pay 7.50 euros for each trip if you’re in one place for longer than an hour. It’s the most expensive mode of travel in Italy, as most buses or metros cost about 1.50 or so. Eh. Worth it.

I get back to the main island and walk back to my AirBnb for a break. I meant to get back out and find gelato but I was SO full from my half pizza, still. Time to edit and digest.