Venice Carnival

Anbrozo's heart beat fast as he stood, transfixed, suspended in a sea of spectators. He was an unusual figure, familiar with many things natural and supernatural. As a man who existed in the 15th century, his wise head had always kept those traits hidden from the public eye. His crafty, subtle nature and alarming skill with the sword had a tendency to gain him audiences with loftier individuals who guarded lowlier goals. Only an hour ago, he'd been on an errand of secrecy at the infamous Venice Carnivale, decked in a most luscious red costume, the best his current employer could provide. Now, he found himself in a Venice altogether foreign from the one he'd known. Much had changed, and yet nothing had changed at all. What ungodly century had he found himself in? Mustering whatever drop of courage and cunning he possessed amidst his confusion, he vowed to traverse the streets of this unknown time in search of answers...if any could be found.

Welcome to my photography blog, where captivating places meet helpful tips and fun anecdotes. Join me on a journey through stunning landscapes and hidden gems, as I share the beauty of this world one photograph at a time. Discover the tales behind each shot, and let the adventure inspire your own wanderlust.

A journey to Venice is always an incredible experience, but who wouldn't want to be there for the world-famous Carnivale de Venezia? It begins every year, exactly forty days before Easter. It's an extraordinary feast for the senses, and for the heart, filled with parades, concerts, masquerade balls and street performances, many of which are centered around St. Mark's Square.

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For those who travel light, imagine hefting a suitcase whose sole purpose is to carry costumes, shoes, gloves, wigs and other headpieces for the event. Yes, that's me with my cargo pants and travel shirts. Dragging costumes and camera gear around a city with over four hundred bridges and three thousand Calli (narrow pedestrian alleyways) is quite an experience for someone who has a slight phobia of getting lost. It was recommended that I download an offline version of their city map, called DeQua, used not just by visitors but also by locals - a clear testimony to the difficulties of navigating this overwhelming but beautifully ancient city. DeQua turned out to be the night and the day when it came not only to traversing Venice, but also in assuaging my navigational fears.

A tall, mysterious man pauses for the cameras. For more information on this event https://carnevale.venezia.it/en/

With cameras slung over my shoulder, roaming the narrow pathways with around three-million other visitors required lots of inky Italian adrenaline-inducing coffee (remember, you can always sleep when you get home).

Best Masked Costume Contest - St Mark's Square

It's now midnight, and St. Mark's Square is teeming with costumes, characters and colors that stay ingrained in your memory long after they're gone. You're being romanced by the music; the excitement in the air is palpable. This is happening just after one of the highlights of the Venice Carnivale: the Best Masked Costume Contest. The winners are celebrating, photographers are meandering about, still on the hunt to capture that perfect night image. Exhausted, I planted myself in the second row and all but abandoned myself to the ambience, camera down. The history, colors, sounds and smells of Venice enveloped me like an old but long lost friend. That moment would have been enough, but the night wasn't done with me yet. A tall, handsome man suddenly enters the stage and greets the audience before beginning his song, "Volare". Everyone joined in, including me.

We've all had those moments in life where everything comes together in an almost enchanting freeze-frame we will never forget. This was mine. I say bravissimo! Well done!

The lens is fixated on this lovely caricature, much as she fixates on the splendor of her surroundings.

The pearl I hope to pass on is that anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to visit Venice will plan early, and try to coincide your trip with this annual event. It will be worth it. Be gracious, wait for your coffee, and savor the moment as you would fine dining, only better.

The event usually lasts about two weeks and concludes on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is Shrove Tuesday, otherwise known as Mardi Gras (high style version).

Make sure to bring a camera and if you're a photography novice keep it in Auto Mode.

Don't forget to clean the lens and watch your backgrounds.

Lastly, being early in the year, it would be wise to bring a warm jacket and some gloves. If you forget anything, don't worry. There are stores for the wealthy, and shops for the rest

of us.

Ciao per ora!