Glass Doesn't Break

We went to the island of Murano and watched a glass blowing demonstration. I've been to one before but this was impressive! We watched a glass master, Georgio, make first a vase and then a horse. Then we all went into the shop and spent obscene amount of money but everything we bought was pretty! Then we went to a museum of glass. It showed the progress of glass making over the centuries. Some interesting things we learned today.... 1) Glass making was moved to the island of Murano because of the extreme fear of fire. Most structures were made of wood and the leaders of Venice were afraid a wayward spark from a glass furnace would destroy the entire city. 2) As the new & improved techniques for glass making were invented (900 years ago) the Venetians were very possessive of these secrets. Once someone went to Murano and learned to become a glass maker they could never leave the island again. It has been described in literature as the most beautiful prison on earth.

Some of the group also went to a lace making explaination. Some went to find art they were interested in or churches they had heard of. Everyone went exploring and got lost. We were given an assignment to find a great 'post card' photo and to take a picture of a beautiful window. It was an interesting project and the kids came up with the most interesting things!