I have often wondered how do you make a Venetian blind. Now before you all jump in and start thinking negative thoughts about a massive change in my meek and mild approach to life: some of you may even think that my ophthalmic question posed about may even approach some degree of violence. “An eye for an eye ?”, some may indeed be considering. 
I need to explain......
Now stop and consider: yours truly doesn’t make it all that obvious that (as I keep mentioning to Fred), currently I hold a dual accreditation (among other things, I even had measles once). A black belt in “no can do” (graduating in record time: to the point that I ponder why the Guinness Book of records hasn’t contacted me to substantiate and supply documentation from me to list such a feat !!), supplemented by an almost total mastering of a “black belt in origami”. These accreditations may actually astound you: simply, though I must admit they did come somewhat easily to me. 
Fred has often commented that she understands why I had so little training with my “no can do”, award. She must be prudently observant to the point that often remarking, “ I see evidence of it everyday”. Surprisingly, I felt that the high levels of modesty of which I possess, disguised the “frequent, almost constant” display of this high ranking skill set !!
Given these most supportive comments from Fred, I feel somewhat obliged to maintain these accreditations and so practice them daily. Now, in doing this, I need to highlight that it has nothing to do with those of you that think, I will be undertaking action on a resident of Venezia (Venice) and so causing a loss of sight. No way !!
What I actually meant by posing the question above, was just an inquisitive one, as I drew back the curtains and gazed through the “window of life”. Mechanically, Venetian blinds have many working parts and functionality, and so they have often intrigued me. 
Simply, this is all I was contemplating whilst drafting this instalment of wonderment. Given this explanation you now perhaps you sit and “glaze” and scratch your head ?
Well, there’s no need to. As today, I wish to outline to you our day trip to Venezia (Venice). See the connection ?
From Milano Centrale, we caught a regional train to (ultimately) Santa Lucia, Venezia. I say ultimately, as along our journey, the Italian trip system was working consistently in that our arrival into Verona Poutro Nova, was late. Consequently, we had to get another connecting train and pay a premium price for this convenience. Not a happy-chappy; as travelling by train in Italy seems to be relatively expensive. Italians seem to tolerate this almost frequent event. Trains don’t appear to be co-ordinated for such events; they are all privately owned by a few companies and obviously don’t communicate between themselves. Why worry about the customers? Trains are well patronised and so I guess the companies feel they have a captive audience and so don’t have to lift their game. Even service agents at the stations (stazione) will only engage your enquiries, only if it relates to the train system they are employed by.  
Our 3 hour-ish trip turned into almost 4 hours. Venezia had better be worth this hassle, was my thought.
Our arrival into Santa Lucia couldn’t come quick enough. The station is positioned literally, next to the Grande Canal (Grand Canal). Indeed, I can vividly recall the “wow” factor as we walked out of the station to be “confronted” by the canal, gondolas etc. I stood at the top of the steps and just let my bottom jaw, rebound off my right knee-cap. Simply stunning and probably unique. I think Fred felt the same; well, I think so. She turned around and said “...a real stunner......”. I was taken aback, as she could have been talking about me (?). I did remind her that we had been travelling for a few hours prior and that she could have said this at anytime previous to this. 
Our research had shown us, that the best way to see this incredible place, was to purchase a one-way ticket (vaporetto) for about 7.5 euro each and then travel on the public ferry system. There are many routes within Venice and we chose the route that essentially motored down the Grande Canal to an end point. A journey of about 1.5 hours: many stops along the way: Rialto, San Marino, Lido etc.  
Along the way we were amazed at the houses and dwellings on the water’s edge, the busy nature of the waterway (dotted with transport ships carrying goods etc), the common gondolas floating along with some of the passengers being serenaded by the “captain” of the vessel. I suggested to Fred that, this was something I could do. She did indicate however, that I would need to have lots of showers to practice, first. I just hate the truth. 
The Grande Canal was so busy with traffic going along and across (from the many “alleyways / cross streets”) that I thought traffic lights would be a good idea. I wonder why nobody else has suggested this ? Further, they could even have “lollipop” people with their stop - go signs !! 
We had purchased some meats, cheese and wine earlier and decided to sit along the water’s edge to eat it. Fred forgot to bring the water crackers (get the joke ?): the crusty bread sufficed though.
Watching the busy waterway / harbour was a good way to wash down the Maschio Sauvignon. (NV) vino frizanne.. A slightly spritzig white wine. Frizanne (slightly fizzy) is a popular Venetian drink. Just a thought,  perhaps drinking too much of this could make a venetian blind ?  That’s it, I have discovered the answer to the posed question. 
After unravelling such an issue,, I gleefully noted this to Fred.  I was so pleased: another touch of brilliance,  until Fred indicated. That they didn’t have breathe testing in Venice: ...”. Besides, how could they pull over vehicles to the side of the road  ? “, she remarked. Good point, I thought. I even made the subsequent observation, that the police would probably have to wear waders and or long gum boots to keep dry.

I amaze myself sometimes.
Back onto the ferry to head back along route number. 5.1 to Ferranovia (Sant Lucia)) Stazione.
This trip back took us along the outer harbour: packed to the rafters was the ferry. To the point that the ship’s mate had to take control of the crowd and marshall people on and off the ferry. Aspects such as where to stand and move to. One particular gentleman took objection to this and sounded off something incredible.  This went on for some minutes: an amazing scene really.. He made a complete ass of himself. I did apologise after Fred intervened, though.  She appeared to be somewhat embarrassed: I can’t grasp why this was the case. Perhaps it was my accent, do you think ?
Back at Ferranovia, we then decided to walk around a little and explore Venezia from the ground.  Over small archways  bridges: along paths next to small canals and past the many ristorante and coffee shops (caffes). The street names having the prefix of “Via” while the canals having “Rio”. Just a couple for you to sample: Rio Del Magazen, Rio Del Gafaro. I didn’t any luck though in finding Rio De Janeiro anywhere !! Apparently the locals didn’t know either, as I asked a few for directions and none were forthcoming. I couldn’t find it on a water (street) map either. Come to think of it, where was the Suez Canal ? The Panama Canal ? Can't leave here until we find these !!
Again, amazing that people actually live on the archipelago of small islands just above sea level. The buildings obviously suffering. the effects of salinity and rising damp.
We then returned to the stazione and caught the train back to Milano Centrale. No change to be made: but late, again.
Many people appeared frustrated with this. One gent seated near us, seemed to be muttering to himself the later we became. This same gent was mumbling to himself about some related Christmas event, as he kept saying “Santa Maria”. Italians must have to be politically correct around the festive season. I didn't have the heart to tell him that he was a few months early: even for Christmas in July !!

When we did arrive at Milano Centrale, many getting off the train ran for their next connection.
A rather unique experience is Venezia. We appeared to be fortunate that it was not busy: no ocean going vessels were in the harbour. 

The local media has been reporting that day trippers may well be charged a local visitors’ tax in the short term future. Some 20 million visit Venezia, annually. I guess that this would be somewhat controversial: perhaps it could be justified as an equivalent to this visitors’ tax charged on hotel rooms. This tax would be a big money spinner I am sure. They wouldn’t have to spend much on roads though, would they ? 

For those of you hanging out for another mind-blowing competition, try these quick questions and get back to me with your answers. 

The prize ? A venetian blind of course !! Without the cane and the dog: these cost too much and besides probably couldn't get them through Australian Customs.

Answers in the next thought provoking entry

Arreviderci and Ciao