Vive Venezia

I have so much to talk about, and so little time! I am swamped this week with midterms, but thought I'd take a break to post so I don't forget anything! Now where did I leave off...

Most of last week was spent reviewing for midterms which are this week. Started off Monday with a 9am wine tasting with my History and Culture of Italian Food class. Don't be fooled though, there was a lot of lecturing and not much drinking, which I guess is for the better at 9 o'clock in the morning. We walked from school to a bar that opened just to host our class. Our teacher, Peter Fischer, who we like to call Grande Pesce (Big Fish), explained how to classify wine using year, vineyard, grape, and producer. He also explained the proper process of actually tasting by first examining the color and color intensity, then "swirl" the wine to measure viscosity, then smell, and lastly taste. We also tried a technique of slurping after taking a sip: the air is supposed to make the flavor more intense, but I couldn't keep a straight face long enough to really try it. Tuesday we visited two contemporary art exhibits with my Business of Art class. I really enjoyed both exhibits. One gallery was a single room that featured a life-size gorilla made from pink chewing gum, it was definitely contemporary art! On Wednesday, we had a gelato tasting in History of Food class, which was of course amazing. Now I don't want to give you the wrong impression, I actually do have to do work while I'm here. For example, I have a term paper for the History of Food due the week after Spring Break and a midterm tomorrow, so it's not all wine and gelato (unfortunately!). Friday the roomies and I went shopping for masks for Carnivale. 

Saturday we woke up early for a three hour bus ride to Carnivale in Venice. I don't even know where to begin describing Venice. Beautiful, colorful, picturesque, and that's just the city. Carnivale? Colorful, CROWDED, whimsical, fun, did I mention crowded? 

 There were tons of beautiful masks for sale.

 SO CROWDED!!

 

We walked around the narrow streets all day occasionally crossing a bridge where I took at least four pictures. 

Most people had masks (including yours truly) but some were dressed from head to toe in elaborate colorful costumes.

I tried hot wine, or vin brule,  for the first time. I don't know how traditional it is, but it was surprisingly really good, especially since it was getting chilly. After grabbing hot wine at the street vendor, Lacey, Meaghan, Jackie, and I hopped on a gondola.

 

Oh. My. Gosh. As I sipped my wine I looked out into the distance as the sun was setting and a slight breeze ran through my hair. I felt like I was in a dream, or a movie, it was so unreal!

I tried to speak to our guide, Franco, in Italian and he responded "Ya know, we do speak English here." I laughed and still attempted to speak in Italian. We asked him if he would sing, but he said that was our job. Since I left all my gondola songs at home, I just smiled and enjoyed the silence after listening to music, screaming kids, and languages I couldn't understand all day. One thing I found odd about Carnivale were the numerous Native American bands playing flutes on the streets. What are Native Americans doing in Venice? Eh, this puzzling question didn't stop me from dancing and enjoying. We got dinner at a small trattoria that seemed reasonably priced.  I ordered a glass of red house wine for dinner, but the waitress said they only had half bottles, 375. I said well 3,75 isn't bad and I'll probably drink a half a bottle anyway. Little did I know the half bottle actually cost 9 euro and when she said 375 she meant it was 375 mL. I almost had a heart attack considering that practically doubled my meal, but I just had to throw my hands up and say live and learn. We were pretty exhausted even after eating so after walking around a little more we sat on the waterfront and waited til we had to leave. I slept like a baby on the bus ride home.

 

Sunday was spent being lazy, Skyping and studying for my midterm. While Skyping I discovered all kinds of goofy accessories that I have to share with all of my readers...

 Pretty funny huh? I entertained myself for a while with this haha.

Lacey's boyfriend, Dillon, arrived on Sunday as well. I am good friends with Dillon back home, so it was great to see him and catch up on what was going on at home. I bet it was even more great for Lacey, though haha. This week has pretty much sucked with midterms, but I am trying not to get too stressed. Only one day and two midterms away from spring break!! I'll post again before leaving for the villa where I am staying with Lacey and her parents. Yea, I know, I am living the dream.