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……………………In many Islamic countries women are required but not mandated to wear a BURKA, and in some countries it is demanded that they wear a Burka in public….It is a body covering from head to toe….for modesty. Given the choice many women would not wear it, but surprisingly there are many who would…..It’s cultural….They feel protected, and like not being seen by any men other than their husbands……..I recall on a trip to VENICE that Jac and I took….we were staying at the DANIELI HOTEL….a beautiful world famous five star hotel…..On this particular trip it was extremely HOT…..in the low 90s, and the idea of going to see glass blowing on the island of Murano wasn’t going to be pleasant!…but it’s a MUST SEE!….We were waiting to be picked up  by the launch to be taken to the island….Jac was wearing short shorts, a tank and sandals when these five women walked up along side of us with four children…two boys and two girls…..no older than eight or nine…..The women were all wearing the Burka shrouds….The contrast between Jac and them was startling…..The only difference between them and the women in the photos was they were also wearing METAL GRILLS across their eyes!!!….The children were in western wear….shorts, tee shirts and sandals……I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them wearing all of that material in the terrible heat….I wondered how these little very spirited girls, who were running around freely in their cool clothes, were going to feel years from now when they too had to wear Burkas……The launch arrived and off we all went to Murano to the even hotter factories to watch them create their miracles…….Jac and I were caught up in the moment, and bought a full set of glasses….5 different style glasses, service for 12. They were very beautiful, but very FRAGILE……The glasses were all etched with vines and grapes….FANTASTIC!….WE USED THEM ONCE!….They are all packed away!…..I really should unpack them….but I have no place to put them!!!….and I’m afraid to break them.