masks of carnevale

New month, new post!

Last weekend I made a trip up to Venice to stay a couple nights with some friends from the program to celebrate Carnival (or Carnevale in Italian.) Venice is a beautiful port city with labyrinths of winding pathways that lead you over narrow canals. It's easy to get lost. We were able to see St. Mark's square and the church, which houses the body of Mark the evangelist.

view from the inside of the church

The square was filled with masqueraders and tourists. There were plays of the Commedia Dell'Arte, and costume processions, and at one point a giant balloon floated up with an air acrobat flying from it. At night, there was even a drag contest.

everyone in their masks

The next morning we visited the Venetian island of Murano, which is famous for glass. (I got a small glass ring as a souvenir). We had a very pleasant picnic sitting on the edge of the canal, and wandered around a bit more before going back to the main island of Venice, and getting to see everyone's crazy costumes and the nightlife of Venice during Carnival.

on the ferry bus

photo album!

The new semester started this past Monday. There are only four months left. I need to start working harder!