A Day of Art
Today started early (not Sky's favorite, especially after getting no sleep because of a buzzing-in-her-ear-all-night mosquito), with a tour to Murano and Brurano. We absolutely loved visiting both islands and Ryder said that watching the men make glass art was his favorite thing of our whole trip. After looking at all the Murano glass art, the boat taxi took us to the rainbow island of Brurano, known for it's delicate lace art. There's only seven women left, who make this lace art by hand. Sadly, a loom and machine have taken over the lace making. I so wanted to purchase a piece of glass art (about $2000 USD) and a very small piece of lace art ($250 USD), but I did neither. Maybe one day, when Steve and I return to Italy. And to be honest, I have to sort through our household goods and figure out exactly what art I already have before buying any additional art. Art collecting definitely holds a special place in my heart and is something that I hope will one day be passed down to my children. I talked to the glass art salesman a lot about that.
Once we returned back to Venice, we decided to visit the 57th Venice Biennale and WOW, it was brilliant. I'm so excited we made the time and effort to visit, as exhausted as we were. To see the various country's interpretation of art was incredible. The funny thing is that I had no idea what Germany's pavilion was all about, so I googled it when home and learned that Germany won. Well I also learned that the art included a performance under the see-through flooring and in the open stalls, which spanned over five hours (I'm guessing during the judging). Man, it would have been awesome to have walked through on that day.
To anyone that questions world schooling, I am in awe of what the kids and I have learned and experienced on this trip. They are still doing proper math each day, but the rest, I am leaving up to our adventures and schooling by curiosity, for these past three months. Feeling so very blessed for this opportunity -- one that we will NEVER forget.