Amy's adventures in Venice the last weekend of Carnivale!

1. Venice in a party mask! Amy’s adventures February 2007

2. Venice in a word, is amazing. Of all the cities I have seen (so far!) I think it is the most beautiful. It is permeated with romance and history. When you are there, it is as though you are in a different time. I was in Venice for the second time during the last weekend of Carnivale. Mardi Gras copies what the Venicians started years ago, only they do it in a more tasteful, elegant way. (No boobs or beads--heehee!) I am, however, glad that I had seen it prior in a more quiet manner. There were so many people in St. Mark’s square that one couldn’t appreciate the quiet beauty--or the pigeons for that matter!! I was there with my principal, Barb, Jackie, the gifted and talented teacher, and Pat, the reading teacher. Let me show you some pictures of what Venice REALLY is. . .

3. This is the Realto Bridge. It used to be the only bridge into the island of Venice spanning the Grand Canal, now there are 429. Beautiful, isn’t it??

4. This is me on the Grand Canal near St. Mark’s square.

5. This hotel and restaurant is just on the other side of the Realto Bridge.

7. My favorite spots are the bridges spanning the smaller waterways; they are quiet and stunning.

10. Carnivale was crazy. There were so many people everywhere, tt was difficult to navigate the narrow streets. St. Mark’s square was packed with people, and they had a huge stage set up for concerts and performances everyday. Most people--like us--were not dressed up. The people that chose to, however, varied from painted faces and silly halloweenish costumes to ornate, elaborate costumes that looked as though they cost a fortune. My favorites were the couples dressed up in matching costumes. It would be nice to find a guy comfortable enough with his masculinity to dress up in a medieval costume! Venice is world famous for its masks, as you will see…

11. St. Mark’s Square--with too many people. . .

20. My favorite experience was when we got up early the last day and walked around to enjoy the sunrise and the quiet streets. We found the most pleasant surprise down at St. Mark’s Square. Professional photographers were taking pictures of costumed people as the sun rose. So cool!! Plus, now you can see what St. Mark’s is supposed to look like! It is breathtaking!

32. We ended our time in Venice with a Gondola ride. They are expensive but enjoyable. The best part about it, are the cute, flirtatious gondoleers and the fact that you can drink wine. We had 3 bottles between 3 of us!!!

33. Me, Marco, Barb and Jackie. Great ladies to travel with!

34. This is Pat. She reminds me of my Grandma Gerttula!

36. So as you can see, I had another fabulous journey. I wish all of you could be over here with me experiencing these beautiful places, but since you can’t, I am left to do it without you. . .sigh!!! Since you have made it through all 37 slides, I would like to leave you with one more. I can only handle so much in a museum, and then I get bored. Then it becomes fun to find art to pose like. Here is me at the Guggenheim Museum in Venice. If you look closely, you can see the statue is VERY excited!!