The rumbling of the diesel engine. The vibration of the floor. the smoke bellowing out of the soot-covered exhaust, surely, electric boats can’t be far? right? That was my thought upon embarking on the Vaporetto, the water bus taking us to Burano.
Venice has five outlier Islands. Somehow, I feel these are more interesting than Venice itself. Perhaps because they are less crowded. My visit for the day was planned for Burano. A town filled with colours, somehow I had missed visiting the smaller outliers on every visit to Venice, but this time it was an image of the brightly coloured buildings that got my attention.
I confess I am in love with Italy. with France, ok, probably with the whole of continental Europe. but strangely, while, Venice has been alluring. It has never been somewhere I wanted to stay for longer than a few days. People often talk about the smell upon visiting Venice, that’s the memory that they take with them. Admittingly, it can feel more humid on a warm day, while the larger squares closest to the shores with their seagulls can feel daunting. Introverted by nature It can become overwhelming. At the same time, perhaps it’s the perfect place to get lost in. To not get noticed. To pass in between the crowds observing, listening to the clatter of the plates outside restaurants, sitting under the pergola, listening to classical music played live. by bands that thankfully take turns and are not competing with the neighbouring restaurant. For I feel that would become a cacophony of noise. I spent a short time taking in the atmosphere. for surely the sandwich with coffee wasn’t worth the €55 that it cost. Most certainly it’s the atmosphere that one pays for!
Venice can’t be rushed, as photographers, we often want better light. Although it’s not what we would get. So why would my trip to Burano be any different?
Burano, different from Venice mainland is far from in its colour palette. As part of the five islands of Venice, including San Giorgio Maggiore, Murano, San Michele, and Torcello, Burano is certainly the most colourful of all. Houses lining the shore, visible from the sea have long been a place of attention. Originally painted by the local fishermen to be able to recognise their house even in the thickest of fog, it has now become an Instagrammers’ hub. perhaps with the majority of its income now coming from tourism, it’s not such a bad thing. Disapointedly the waterbus doesn’t take the route of the visible houses from the shore. Nevertheless, A short five-minute walk takes you to the colourful alleyways. With a population of approximately 2800 recorded in 2023, it’s an island of only 0.21 square kilometres, undoubtedly tiny. Yet perhaps this also adds to its charm. being welcomed by a gelateria, a cafe along its waterbus stop, one immediately enters streets with small shops selling its famous woven lace. The Island now has a museum depicting part of its lacemaking history. For me it was the environment, even though the weather being cloudy, with intermittent rain, the colours did give it a joyful feel.
Will I visit Burano again? Most likely yes. If given a chance. I feel, even with its crowds and Instagrammers. I would want to be in a place where I can pass unnoticed. observe the smells, taking life in its slowest lanes. In alleyways interconnected but often ignored, for these are the places that are often less visited and offer a mindful seclusion, of watching from within. Perhaps this is what will connect me with the wandering mind.
So lovely to read your 'ramblings' today. I, too, am in love with Italy and I agree that Venice, like many Italian places, cannot be rushed. Better to return every now and then, to take in and appreciate a little bit more. Thank you for reminding me about the delights of Burano.
LH