For once I wasn't working on Saturday so we headed to Venice already around lunch time. It was a nice sunny day, not exactly warm but certainly not cold either. I reopened the ballerina season after having had to go back to my winter boots last week when it was snowing. As soon as we arrived some of us had our faces painted (I want glitter, please!) to get in the carnival mood while the more serious members of the group waited patiently. Despite the horror stories of insane crowds meeting you as soon as you step out of the train it actually wasn't too bad. Yes, there were a lot of people but most of the time we were able to move forward without huge difficulties. One or two bridges were somewhat congested and a couple of times we had to backtrack and try another route but considering how narrow some of the streets are and how many people must have been there I really think getting around was surprisingly smooth.
I think it is safe to say that about 80% of people were wearing some sort of a costume or at the very least a mask or some face paint. It's fantastic that at least once a year grown ups get to dress up in silly (or cool, depends on your level of commitment) costumes, get their faces painted and in general just forget about what is appropriate. I think the general consensus in the group was that those of us who will still be here next year will definitely then invest on some costumes of our own. It's too good an opportunity to miss!
Some of the costumes we saw were indeed pretty cool and what is even better: the people were more than happy to be photographed! The only problem of course was that everyone wanted to take photos so getting them to stop at the right moment or to look in the right direction was an altogether different story. Not to mention not having someone elses arm, hand and camera stuck right in front of your camera just as you press that button.. Then of course there is the eternal story of the camera running out of batteries at the worst possible moment.. Excuses aside, here are some photos from this weekend anyway. They may not be perfect but then I am hardly a professional so what did you expect! Enjoy!. (Click on the photo to see a bigger version)
Is there a visible Russian influence or is it just the strange fur hat? Or is it just me?
The Ghostbusters were there too. Naturally.
Some pretty cool masks, which made the American girls behind us start squealing 'Oh my gaawwd, Oh my gaaaawwwd!'
Looking from Rialto bridge. It really was a nice day!
Frittelle (con crema in this case) are some of the best the carnival season has to offer! This one happens to be half eaten already, of course only just so you can see what is inside..
This little bunny was one of the cutest participants, spotted here today.
And here, just to make you drool with jealousy, is my second gelato of today! This one is Crema di Grom with Cioccolato fondente. (The first one was Cioccolato fondente with yoghurt.)
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