My New Favorite City

Venice has become my new favorite city. I only spent a day there, but it was so much fun. We arrived in time for the last day of Carnivale, so there were a lot of people dressed up in costumes ranging from weird masks, period dresses, and outfits you would see in America on Halloween. The outer islands were pretty shut down due to the winter, but the water taxis were running and we got a tour around just by riding one to and from our hotel. 

This is the far end of the main canal in Venice- you can see the crowds of people towards the busier end. All the canals are lined with sidewalks that are the "roads" and are lined with shops selling Murano glass, jewelry made out of glass beads, Carnivale masks, and leather goods.

There are narrow alley ways in between the canals, and they were all packed with people celebrating the holiday- it took us 10 minutes to get through a crowd and over a bridge in the afternoon!

Some of the many gondolas- the owners really do wear striped shirts!

Some of the people in costumes took themselves very seriously, walking slowly around and stopping to pause for pictures with tourists. This man clearly did not, as he was using his cell phone. The couple below took themselves extremely seriously, while dressed in a different type of costume. This type of mask is very common for Carnivale.

Suzie with one of the Carnivale masks. My favorites were the ones that just covered the eyes and had big feathers.

One of the quieter canals without shops

Bridges over the canals usually look like this one on the left- the sides of the bridges are all steps. Venice is not a handicap friendly city!

This photo is of the main canal in Venice taken while I was waiting for my train. It was so beautiful, I can't wait to go back when it is warmer out!!