Venice during Carnival Part Two

When we arrived at the Piazza San Marco we found the largest crowd yet, many in costumes, most of them in groups. Here's St. Mark's Basilica, which stands at the eastern end of the piazza, or square.

And here's the crowd in the square - gasp! It was almost scary how many people were crammed into this normally large and open square. The last and only other time I was here was in summer high season and there were a couple thousand pigeons here and maybe 50 people. Now those numbers were swapped and it was crazy. We definitely held onto Piper! In fact, to keep him from getting run over or lost he ended up on Kevin's shoulders for the duration of the piazza.

These two were one of my favorites. Think I can get Kevin to dress up with me when we're 60?!

lots and lots of fun and beautiful costumes...

Another peek up of St. Mark's Basilica. Breathtaking, but with the costumed crowds it really took a back stage on this carnival day.

More costumes...

We made it through the crowds to the end of the Piazza by the sea.

Then we fought our way back through the crowds...

This group was drawing it's own mini-crowd of admirers.

And then the boys were done with the crowds. We were, too! We took some less traveled roads back to the train station.

More costumes, old ...

...and young!

Back along the Grand Canal.

A little break to enjoy the canal and people/boat/gondola watch.

Back on the less-traveled alleys and canals.

And a few final pictures on the Ponte Degli Scalzi, the bridge over the Grand Canal near the train station.

Then we waited for the next train to Treviso...only to get on and have it canceled. Have to love the Europeans. Cancel one of the busiest trains on the busiest day in the year in Venice!

Thankfully, I had learned to read train schedules during my EU tour way back in '96 :), so I found another train that we could cram our family into (seriously, we were so tight we couldn't sit if we wanted to!). Getting there was also quite tricky. Kevin had to become a human plow and we just lifted up the younger two and somehow got through what was nearly a stampede of people at the train station. That part was not so fun. E lost his joker hat in the chaos :( but I was just glad we didn't lose any children! We were all tired from a long and fun day!

The following day we stopped in at some of the Nove ceramic factory stores and stocked up on some great and amazingly low priced pottery. Thanks to Kim for the information and tips! All in all, it was a fun and beautiful 'winter break' trip. Hardly felt like winter at all!