What a day!!!!! As you all know, I went back into Venice for the day, to witness Carnevale again! This time however, there were more people, and even more things going on all over the city. I will be the first to  say that the train ride in was a living hell!
This time, I took the regional train and there were no seats, people were standing in the aisle, and the spaces by the exit were full! If I took the EScity or one of the high speeders I would have had a seat, but the regional trains are different. It made the experience a living hell, but also quite interesting and a little funny now that I look back at it. We were cramped like a jar of olives for 30-45 min and couldn't move a muscle! The worst was when we stopped in Meastre to let even more people on! (Oh! I should mention, the train ride back to Padova was similar, but gradually the train emptied instead of getting more crowded and more crowded with each stop.) 

Being stuck in purgatory for 30 min was just a small price to pay for what awaited me in Venezia. I was greatly impressed this time around, as there were more masks, more flamboyant and creative costumes! In all honesty you would want to curse or even regret going in (like I did at first,) but it was well worth it in the end and an experience of a life time. It is something you have to do! It's one of the those Things to do before you die.

Carnevale was one giant party... go figure!  I heard so many different languages including English... oddly enough! I could tell by their accent that they were American, more specifically, from the east coast. If I had to guess I would say New York area? There were people from France, Germany, Italy, The States, Great Britain, and Asia! Just being in Venice was incredible. But is it not? .There really isn't so much to say about what we did considering we just walked around, went to the Rialto bridge and St. Marks square, were there was some performance going on with giant bugs and an old puppet show! My favorite part was the costumes and the decorations and traditions that occurred throughout the day.

We also made our way down to the Danieli Hotel (you know that 5 star right on the grand canal) and just stood there talking for a while, and soaking in all of the beauty of Venice.

Carnevale is a lot like Mardi Gras but probably more conservative without the beads and women tearing off their tops at any chance they get! The masks and costumes all date back to the time when Venice was a Republic, and all hold great historical significance. I am not sure of the exact meanings, but every mask and style describes someone's social status within society. You would think that there would be only masks like I did going in, but I actually saw Halloween like outfits as well...
 People dressed as Sheep, cows, Noah and the Ark, clowns, and even a Spritz, which I thought was pretty cool! I think for Halloween next year I will go as a Sprtiz! 

I am happy that I decided to take the opportunity to see Venice at this time of year. I have only seen Venice in the summer, when it is hot! Now, it was cold, and had a very different atmosphere but managed to maintain its majestic atmosphere;  a beautiful yet colorful atmosphere!