2026-10-16 — Venice — My Day Exploring Venice and My Night at the Opera

Explorer of the Seas — 15 Oct – 13 Nov 2026

A day of Venetian luxury, Murano glassmaking, a special gift for Roseann, wonderful Italian food, and an unforgettable evening of classical music.

A Morning of Venetian Luxury

I woke up at 7 o'clock this morning after a wonderful night's sleep at the magnificent Baglioni Hotel Luna. And what a way to begin the day!

I went downstairs for breakfast, and I have to admit, I was impressed. The room was magnificent, the food was excellent, and the staff couldn't have been more attentive. I've enjoyed some remarkable breakfasts during my travels, but I cannot remember having one in a more luxurious setting.

After nearly four decades of military and federal service, I've experienced my share of early mornings. Breakfast in a Venetian palace is certainly different from breakfast in a military dining facility! A fellow could get awfully spoiled with this much luxury. And I must admit, I'm getting rather good at it.

At 10 o'clock, I had a private boat waiting to take me across the Venetian Lagoon to Murano.

Murano — Where Fire Becomes Art

There's something wonderful about traveling around Venice by boat. Instead of highways and automobiles, you have waterways, historic buildings, and a city that seems to operate according to its own special rules.

Murano has been famous for glassmaking for centuries. In 1291, Venetian authorities ordered glass furnaces moved to the island, helping establish a tradition of craftsmanship that continues today.

When I arrived at the glass factory, a woman greeted me and became my private escort. She took me through the workshop and explained how the artisans created drinking glasses and decorative objects. The process was fascinating.

As a photographer, I was especially interested in the relationship between light, color, heat, and craftsmanship. Something that begins as a glowing mass of molten material eventually becomes an elegant, delicate object.

Watching these artisans reminded me that whether you're talking about military leadership, photography, or glassmaking, excellence requires patience, discipline, experience, and practice. I decided my talents were probably better suited to holding a camera than handling molten glass!

A Glass Cat and a Very Special Gift

After touring the factory, my guide took me through the glass museum and showroom. What a feast for the eyes! There were magnificent examples of Venetian glassmaking, representing generations of creativity.

Then I spotted something that immediately caught my attention: a glass cat. It reminded me of Mina, our cat back home, and I knew it would make a wonderful gift for Roseann.

Was it expensive? Absolutely! Did I need an expensive piece of Venetian glass? Probably not. But sometimes the most meaningful souvenirs aren't the ones we need. They're the ones that remind us of someone we love. So I bought the cat, and I felt pretty good about that decision.

Back Through St. Mark's Square

After Murano, I boarded my private boat for the return to Venice. I arrived near St. Mark's Square and enjoyed walking through its magnificent historic setting on my way back to the hotel.

I've traveled to many beautiful cities, but Venice has a character entirely its own. Everywhere you look, there's another remarkable building, narrow passageway, canal, or scene waiting to be photographed.

For someone who loves photography and history, Venice is almost overwhelming. Eventually I returned to the hotel and made a sensible decision: I took an afternoon nap.

That may not sound adventurous, but I've learned that you don't have to exhaust yourself to enjoy the world. Sometimes a little rest makes the evening that much better.

Dinner at Antico Martini — A Little Italian Indulgence

Just before 6 o'clock, I left the hotel and walked to Antico Martini. What an evening! The setting was beautiful, the waiters were attentive, and violin music added to the atmosphere.

I had a magnificent Italian meal. The shrimp, prepared with wonderful sauces, were among the best I can remember eating. Dessert was a beautiful tiramisu, and I also enjoyed a bottle of white wine.

Some might call that an indulgence. But I have a simple philosophy: when you're in Italy, you should enjoy Italy. Believe me, I was doing my part to support the Italian restaurant industry!

Travel isn't simply about famous landmarks. It's about the culture, the food, the people, and the little moments that make a destination memorable.

A Night of Classical Music in a Venetian Palazzo

After dinner, I walked a short distance to Musica a Palazzo for an evening of beautiful music. What a remarkable setting.

Rather than a large modern concert hall, I found myself inside a beautiful historic Venetian palazzo. I sat on the second floor with approximately 50 other guests, listening to talented musicians perform in an intimate and elegant environment.

Venice has an extraordinary musical heritage. Antonio Vivaldi, one of the great Baroque composers, was born here in 1678. There is something especially moving about enjoying classical music in this city.

The architecture, atmosphere, musicians, and audience became part of one experience. I've attended performances in many places around the world, but this evening was special.

A Beautiful Friday Night — The Stuff Dreams Are Made Of

After the performance, I walked back to the hotel through the beautiful streets of Venice. It was a perfect Friday evening. The stars were overhead, the temperature was comfortable, and the city seemed to have settled into a peaceful nighttime rhythm.

As I walked, I thought about the day: a magnificent breakfast, a private boat across the lagoon, Murano glassmaking, a special gift for Roseann that reminded me of Mina, an outstanding Italian dinner, and beautiful music.

What more could a fellow possibly ask for? Today wasn't about checking another destination off a list. It was about enjoying the moment and appreciating the beauty of the world.

I said to myself, 'What a beautiful day in Venice! This is the stuff dreams are made of.' I don't know whether I'll ever repeat a day quite like this one. Perhaps that's what makes it so meaningful.

Back at the hotel, I packed for tomorrow's trip to Ravenna, where I'll board Royal Caribbean's Explorer of the Seas. A new chapter is about to begin. Tonight, I'm going to bed with a smile and a wonderful collection of Venetian memories.

Life is an adventure. And I intend to keep exploring it.

Joe

← Previous Adventure: https://www.josephfthompsonstudios.com/post/2026-10-15-venice-arrival

Explorer of the Seas Journey: https://www.josephfthompsonstudios.com/post/explorer-of-the-seas-15-oct-13-nov-2026