I was looking for one of my recent posts & found this old one of mine. Since many of the responses were after we returned, I missed them. However, there's some great info here. Since we are revisiting Venice in November this year, I'll use some of the info. Thanks everyone, Julie

Response to question #2: Masks - On a 2004 visit to Venice I discovered a small mask shop, L'Arlecchino (789 Ruga Vecchia S. Giovanni). The woman there works in the back, making only papier mache masks (not the fake stuff). The shop is packed with masks, floor to ceiling -- intricate designs, simple designs -- all with unique character. Worth a visit -- if not to buy then to admire. The silver leaf mask I bought is still my most prized travel souvenir.

I can only answer the question about glass.. take the ferry to murano, it's a great and inexpensive ride.. you can watch them blow glass and look in the quite shops on the island.. very cool!

Topping - many thanks Julie:)

Julie,

This old thread about gondola building may be helpful:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

Hi Julie,
I was in Venice last November over Thanksgiving. We did tour the Jewish Synagogue, as did my son and daughter in law on their honeymoon in October. We all thought it was a worthwhile experience. The book shop had some additional reading material, if you are interested.My advice is to check the tour times and try to get there earlier in the day. I wanted to find some gift items for my sons, and I found some adorable rabbis in gondolas in a murano glass gift shop in San Marco Square and the prices were quite reasonable. The lovely owners took the time to wrap my purchases so carefully everything made it home safely.The name of the shop is Palesa Gallery at 145 Piazza San Marco. Also, we went to the Guggenheim Museum and really enjoyed viewing Peggy's home and art collection.The views from her terrace as great. We also found that the Murano glass shops away from San Marco were very reasonable on the same items near the center of town.There were great gift items, bottle stoppers for wine, glass fruits and insects,etc, battery operated tabletop clocks for under 20 euros. As you walk around you will see many of these shops and get to know the better prices! The trick is to find the shop again. Hope this has been helpful, have a great trip!