Adding to the fun in 2017 was that two of my friends here in Victoria, who are frequent Carnivale attendees (they go every second year), were there to show us "the ropes", so to speak. John, Pedro and I had such a good time that we made a commitment to go back this year. And, our "seasoned Carnivale friends" were going to be there too. Below are photos of them in three of the costumes they took last time.
So, in December, I found and rented an apartment for the 3 of us, I booked my flights, and I started giving some thought to another costume. Well, sometimes the best laid plans . . . . Over Christmas, I heard the disturbing news that one of my London pals was diagnosed with a medical condition that would mean he and his partner were not going to be able to go. He is going to be okay but all travel for him is off for now. I continued with my plans even though I now had a two bedroom/two bathroom apartment for just me and the deadline for any kind of refund had expired. I was still determined to go and enjoy myself. Besides, I would know some other people there. Then, as so often happens in life when one door closes, another opens.
I was chatting with my sister who was heading off on a tour to the Holy Land in mid-February. When I told her my situation, she mused about perhaps joining me in Venice for part of the time I would be there. It was obviously meant to be because her tour ends on February 23rd which is the day Carnivale starts. Further, Easy Jet flies three times a week between Tel Aviv and Venice and there was a very affordable flight scheduled that day. So, in place of my London friends, she will be joining me for nearly a week. Whew!
With my other friends from Victoria, we have booked some interesting things to do while we are there including a food tour, a theatrical walking tour, a Baroque concert in the prison of the Doges' Palace, an afternoon "cotillon" which includes Baroque dance lessons, and a lecture about the history of masks in Venice. We are going to be one very busy group!
My plan is to write blogs about those events plus to share as many photos as I can of the amazing costumes that you see during this world renowned event. I arrive in Venice on the 21st so the blogs should start shortly after that (provided I have something interesting to say!) although I will do one before I go about the trials and tribulations of pulling together another costume!
Buon viaggio!
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