Carnevale di Venezia!

Today was one of the coolest experiences of my life.

Twelve of us decided that after getting snowed out yesterday of going to Italy's Mardi Gras (Carnevale) that we would attempt to go today. The morning started out not to our liking as it was snowing, very cold, the train was delayed over an hour, and it was super early (at least for college kids).

After FINALLY boarding the train, we stopped several times, switched trains, and overall the supposed to be hour and fifty minute ride turned into an almost four hour ride... oh well.

Even though getting to Venice was a pain, it ended up being so incredibly worth it. Getting off the train the first thing you see is the canal and the beautiful buildings associated with Venice. No long walk to get there, no massive walls, nothing but beautiful Venice. Getting to Piazza San Marco was a long walk but not one that seems that long due to the many bridges and beautiful squares and views. Once you actually hit San Marco, there is a huge stage and music playing, people in costumes and with painted faces everywhere! You look in a cafe window and see two men in Renaissance costumes chilling sipping coffee. It is definitely a scene to behold. The whole scene reminds me more of a Renaissance Fair than a Carnival but either way the energy is something alone to be experienced. There is such an air of jubilance and celebration. Everyone is smiling and dancing in the square, taking pictures and just enjoying the beauty of the place.

We visited Saint Mark's Basilica, where no pictures are allowed inside... although I tried to snap a few... blurry and not very well taken because I just have a thing with not being a law breaker... oops. Anyway, the amount of gold in that building is insane. The bronze horses are beautiful and the building itself is a work of art. I have such an appreciation for it because of the art history class I took. Thank goodness for that!

Of course, we bought masks... one to wear and one to have as a souvenir. :P

We walked all around and down the canal. We saw the gondolas, bridges galore, and boats. It makes me miss the lake and water from home. I can't even describe Venice, so everyone needs to go there. It is literally like a James Bond movie. It's surreal. The energy is intoxicating and fueling. I loved it. Hopefully I can go back.

<3 Ciao!