Out in Costume

Monday, now that the weekend crowds had dissipated, we decided to venture out in costume.  I had brought a hat and a mask with me for my sister and had purchased an inexpensive cape here for her.  With the loan of my red gloves, it all looked quite smart on her.  My so-called "Victorian-themed" costume with a red velvet cape, black skirt bordered in red velvet ribbon (kudos to my friend, Jane, for making that for me), my hat, wig, and the "embellished" umbrella was mine.  

While our costumes were not nearly as fancy as most we have seen, particularly the fantasy or 18th C historic ones, almost the minute we stepped into Piazza San Marco we were swarmed by people (mostly Asians) wanting to have their photo taken with us.  It was actually kind of affirming that we had done a good job.  However, it was also somewhat annoying with them pulling at us, telling us to say "cheese", and pushing in between us.  Most of them did, however, say thank you which was nice.  After about ¾ hour, however, we were done with all that and headed back to the flat to change.

We also saw Faye and Barry there in their jester costumes - not as easy to see the lights in the costumes in the daylight, however.

Our plan was to head over to the Rialto for lunch and then go to the terrace at T Fondaco Dei Tedeschi, a department store.  We had been told there are wonderful panorama views of Venice from its rooftop.  Note that it is best to book a visit in advance which, while free, ensures you have a 15 minute slot to take photos and don't have to wait in line.  I had gone online and ours was scheduled for 3 pm.  We walked to the Grand Canal and crossed the Rialto Bridge to the other side where there are lots of restaurants to choose from.  At one called Riva Del Vin, we found a table right beside the canal.  It was only noon so we had plenty of time to have lunch (at least we thought we did), do some shopping, and get to the terrace, short walk away.  I had prosciutto e melone which was a nice change from all the pasta I have been having.  Kath was very excited about her 1 litre of beer until she found out it cost more than my ½ litre of white wine.  We just sat there in the sun relaxing and watching both the activity on the canal and the people strolling along the bank.  We started talking to the group of four people who sat down beside us.  They were from Toronto.  The next thing we knew, those three hours were nearly gone.  We made it to the department store at 2 minutes past 3 just in time to bypass the line and enter the terrace immediately.  Whew! 

If you look closely, an image of the Rialto Bridge is etched into the wine glass

The view from the roof of the department store was amazing.  Unfortunately the sun was in the wrong direction to take good photos of the Grand Canal in the direction of the lagoon.  We spent our allotted 15 minutes savoring the magic of this amazing and unique city.

The main floor of the department store - looks like a nice place for a drink or lunch

After that, we headed to Piazza San Marco where we knew Faye and Barry would be in their Venetian Naval costumes.  Of course, being back in the square also provided an opportunity to see and take more photos of other people in costume.

Later, after a dinner at Faye and Barry's, all four of us attended a Vivaldi Concert in the former prison of the Doge's Palace.  It was lovely.  After that, we walked back over the bridge which gives an outstanding view of the Bridge of Sighs and across the square back to the alley which leads to our flat.  We had sure packed a lot into this day.  

The "Prison" in the Doges Palace where the concert was held

The Bridge of Sighs