We left Florence on Saturday around 130 and arrived in Venice around 430. We took an inter-city train because though it is slower than the fast train due to the added stops, it is significantly cheaper. And set up a lot different than any of the other fast trains that we have taken since we've been here. Each car has an aisle to walk in and then 'cubes' or 'boxes' that house 6 seats. And seats are assigned! Which we later found out AFTER booking the tickets. Luckily most of us sat with one other or in a nearby 'box.' It was definitely a different traveling experience.
As soon as we got off the train I was filled with excitement. There were people in costume everywhere!!! And you know I love a good themed party- themes and costumes in general are my thing.
Upon exiting the train station we were thrown right into the crowds of people and the gorgeous view of the canal that runs through the city. After walking around and snapping pictures left and right of all the gondolas (and lovers in gondolas because it was Valentine's day) and people dressed in full on period costumes (like Marie Antoinette and Louis XIII) we picked up an unlimited 24hr pass that worked for both the water taxis and buses on the mainland. We made our way over and caught a bus to the mainland to go the our hostel.
Needless to say, we never made it there. After riding the bus around for 2hrs, 4 exhausting and expensive phone conversations with the woman at the reception desk, and 5 confused looks from the Italians we asked for directions (including 2 bus drivers) we gave up in fear that the buses were going to stop running and that we would be stranded. So we headed back to the main island and luckily were able to leave our things at a friend's (Molly!) hotel from school who is studying in Ascoli Piaceno, Italy, but was in Venice for the weekend with her program. We took a water taxi to her hotel and got a wonderful little tour of the city via water!! Thankfully, Molly, Spencer, other Molly and Danielle (all Uconn girls that I took Italian with back home and who are also studying in Ascoli Piaceno) let the 6! of us sleep in the floor of their hotel- life savers. Catastrophe solved.
We all got our masks on and headed out. We found a little outdoor pizza place and ordered a yummy Margarita pie each- with some of the thinnest crust I have ever seen; it was scrumptous. I also got a Bellini in a bottle! A great traditional Italian cocktail.
We then made our way to get some desserts (tirimisu- :)) And then went to find the Piazza San Marco. Venice is a funny island because it seems to be a series of tight alley ways that all lead to bridges that cross over smaller sections of the canal. The real transportation traffic is on the canal with the water taxis and gondolas. But because it was carnival, and there were a lot of American students on the island, it seemed as if everyone was just following the crowd. Like the party was somewhere, we just weren't sure where so we followed everyone without real choice because the streets are like a tight maze! It was very neat.
Piazza San marco had an outdoor show with actors reciting on stage, but we didn't really get to see much of it because it was so crowded. Everyone was dressed up! Most people just had funky masks on with glitter and all different colors and feathers. Masks that derived from the traditional Italian theater have very long droopy noses and are funny looking! Other people had their faces painted, and then as I said earlier, some people were in full on costume- of all members of the court. For small children, carnival is more like Halloween in America, because there were children dressed in a variety of costumes- from scooby doo to a pirate! We even saw a group of guys dressed as typical 'crazies' of the time period- it was funny!
We made our way over to another square, again aimlessly following everyone- which just seems like the right thing to do. Of course we did not make it there without first stopping at a gigantic outdoor candy stand- where we got everything from sour worms and candy raspberries, to a Mal-o-mar!! (for those of you that don't know, and please get a box at the supermarket tomorrow if you don't because your life has not yet been completed- it is a marshmellow placed on top of a gram cracker and then dipped in chocolate- basically a portable s'more- and God's gift to earth). We made it to the other square where there was little outdoor concert and it was great!
Because it was the first night, things rounded up around 12 and we headed back to Molly's hotel room for an attempt at rest- at least we weren't sleeping on the benches in the piazza!
We woke up bright and early this morning, got a quick breakfast and headed out. We shopped around the island for Murano glass; famous glass that is made right around the island of Venice and is absolutely beautiful. We made it to a gorgeous piazza by the water where there was a parade of characters dressed up. After taking pictures with some of the characters, we went and sat by the waters edge near the gondola docks and took some more pictures/enjoyed some fresh fruit. The sun was reflecting off of the water and beating down on us, making it seem so warm and summery. It was absolute bliss to sit on the docks, and losing track of reality, I accidently put my feet in too low and got my sneakers wet with a little wave that came in! It was totally worth it.
We hopped back on a water taxi around noon headed towards the train station. I really did not want to leave but it was the only train we could book home today because all of the others were sold out!
It was truly a magical weekend, and as we all agreed, I felt like I was in Disney land for adults, except the natives aren't fluent in English.
Even though we spent under 24hrs there, we had a fabulous time- and gives me all the more excuse to go back, which I have to.
Carnivale round 2 in the French Riviera next weekend. I can't wait!!
Until then...
xoxo
- Amanda
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