Venezia and La Carnivale!

Bonjourno!
The first weekend of February was my first trip outside of England. Me and several of my classmates traveled to meet Sarah in Venice for the start of La Carnivale. Carnivale is the two week period of celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. Everybody dresses up in period costumes with crazy masks and hats. Everywhere you turn there are mask vendors and me and my group jumped right on that bandwagon! I have some really great pictures from that weekend. What a perfect time to visit Venice!

Venice, Carnivale or no, is a magical place. It felt like I stepped straight off of a movie set. It actually took quite some time for it to sink in that I was in a real place! I was thankful that I was there for a 4 day weekend, otherwise I am not sure if I would have been able to truly appreciate where I was.

We arrived late Thursday night, checked into our hotel, and went to bed to rest up for the long days ahead of us! Friday morning we were on a shuttle at 9am sharp headed towards the islands! On the first day we headed down the 'road less traveled' (and by road I mean canal). This meant heading to a series of smaller islands that are a bit away from the main tourist traps but still shouldn't be missed if you have the time.

First up is Murano. This little island is famous for its glassblowing factory. Murano glass is sold all over the world and I feel priveleged to be able to say that I have been there! We went to a glassblowing demonstration which incredibly impressive! I watched a man make a beautiful little figurine of a horse in just a few minutes...something that looks like it should have taken hours! Be careful...the showroom can take your breath away and if you're not careful, your wallet as well! I caved and purchased two figurines of a man and woman in typical venetian dress. They are wating for me back home in the states and I know that it was worth the price because I can't stop thinking about how excited I am to see them again!

After Murano, we grabbed a bite to eat. Italian food in Italy...enough said. Then it was off to Burano! An island famous for its lace. Honestly, the rain kept me from truly appreciating the island, but there were still some moments when I absolutely had to stop and stare (and then whip out my camera).

Third stop on the ferry line that we were on is Torcello. This island was the smallest yet. Only 16 people live there! The island is home to Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta founded in 639! If age alone isn't enough to impress you, take a look at the mosaics made of gold!