Venice!

Back in February, my roommates and I decided to spend a day in Venice for its annual Carnival.  It usually starts 40 days before Easter and ends on Fat Tuesday (the Day before Fat Wednesday).  Masks have always been the central feature of the Venetian Carnival.  We went to the San Marco square where the majority of the celebration was going on.  People dressed up in the craziest masks and full on costumes.  I even saw a person dressed as Jack Sparrow, which made me laugh.  Of course, no matter what time of the year you are in Venice you must shop for Venetian glass!  I got a pretty pair of purple glass earrings, but they have all kinds of things.  You can buy glass old-fashioned perfume bottles, shot glasses, jewelry, and picture frames, among others.  Also, Venice is the first place you usually think of when you hear of Gondolas.  I fulfilled one of the many items on my bucket list by going on a Gondola ride.  It was VERYY cold when we went, especially because this winter was the coldest winter Italy has faced in 25 years.  But, it was still perfect.  It was 25 euro for about 30 minutes.  It was so worth it, especially because it was nighttime and we could see the light shining off of the water.  If you get a chance, definitely do it.  We went with a tour group so we could only spend the day there.  However, If I had more time I definitely would have gone back during the semester.  It is a really cute town and a good place to walk around and appreciate its quaintness.   

Location: Venice, Italy