This art piece is actually made up of little pieces of glass. I saw it just hanging in an alleyway by a glass shop in Murano. April 29, 2017

Since Murano was my first stop on my day of island hopping, I was actually looking for the Murano Faro taxi boat station…so I could get to my next island…when I came across this unusual looking church, the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato and decided to go in and check it out. What I discovered inside was truly amazing! The stunning mosaic floors. April 29, 2017

The inside of the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato in Murano. The church is one of the oldest in the Venetian lagoon. It was originally built in the 7th century and is known to have been rebuilt in the 9th century, in 1040 AD and possibly other times. April 29, 2017

The inside of the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato in Murano. The church is one of the oldest in the Venetian lagoon. It was originally built in the 7th century and is known to have been rebuilt in the 9th century, in 1040 AD and possibly other times. April 29, 2017

A sample of the stunning mosaic floors inside the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato in Murano. There was no charge to enter this church. There was only a donation request, so I definitely donated. Plus there were no signs that said photographs were not allowed, so as you can see, I took photos. I absolutely fell in love with this church and its mosaic floors. April 29, 2017

More of the stunning mosaic floors inside the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato in Murano. April 29, 2017

My feet and I standing on the mosaic floors of the Basilica Dei Santi Maria E Donato in Murano. Do feet shots count as selfies? April 29, 2017

And, since I’m on Murano, the island known for its glass blowing history, I thought I’d see a demonstration. So, I followed a sign to a glass blowing demonstration only to be told that it costs 7 euros…about $7.62 in U.S. dollars. So, I said “No, thank you,” and left. April 29, 2017

Still in my effort to find the Murano Faro boat station where I could catch the boat for Burbano, I came across this quaint little glass-maker’s shop. So, I meandered in and saw these adorable cut red glass beads that I could make into a necklace, so I bought them. And, this sweet man, Andrea Giubelli, allowed me to watch him work, didn’t charge me for it (like the first place I went into) and let me take his picture. Graze! April 29, 2017

Torcello isn’t known for its glass-blowing, lace-making or any other purchasable item. Instead, it is known for its history, which includes this Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which was founded in 639, and its 11th and 12th century Byzantine work, including its mosaics. Torcello is also considered the birthplace of Venice but today it’s the least-developed island. This church is the main reason I came to Torcello. April 29, 2017

Like the church in Murano, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello has these amazing floor mosaics. This church required a 5 euro entrance fee and photos were prohibited. But like the good Catholic girl that I’m not, I took pictures anyway. April 29, 2017

This 12th century Byzantine mosaic inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello is called the “Last Judgement.” April 29, 2017

A closed off area, across from the XXXX, filled with statues in Torcello. April 29, 2017

This 12th century Byzantine mosaic inside the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta in Torcello is called the “Last Judgement.” April 29, 2017

Once you get off the boat in Burano you have to walk through this alleyway, which I will just call the gauntlet of shops, before you can even enter the hub of the island. And, even though it was late in the day, Burano was packed with people like me, wanting to see this lace-making, colorful island. April 29, 2017

Burano rose in importance only in the 16th century, when women on the island began making lace with needles. Although I doubt these dresses were hand made, lace items of all kinds can be seen in the various shops. April 29, 2017

Burano is also known for its small, brightly painted houses which must follow a specific system by requesting government permission to see what colors are permissible. April 29, 2017

The delicate and beautiful lace scarfs of Burano. April 29, 2017