When you think of carnival you probably think of Rio. Maybe Venice. Possibly New Orleans. Italians think of Italian cities. So for my first carnival experience I went to one very famous in Tuscany, Viareggio. (The beach town I have been to many times.)
Now let me tell you, when I came to Italy and thought of carnival, I thought of parties, dancing, and lots of alcohol. When I went this past weekend with Marco, I expected to drink many beers. Not what I got. Carnival in Italy is family friendly (and politically impolite.) It really is just a month long Halloween.
Every one is dressed in a character they would rather be, as they gather in the streets to see an amazing parade of floats.
Around five Marco said we needed to go to the bar. I thought, finally beer for the party in the street. Nope, he just wanted a coffee. Huh? I have to remind myself, Italy is not Spain. Carnival is not Mardi Gras. (Actually it is, but the way it is celebrated in Tuscany...different.)
A good lookin' couple, indeed
We walked and talked, and I explored a new culture. We stared at all the customs, and found the best one. Some flies were chasing around this man dressed as a pile of...well you figure it out.
Now, I am calling this Carnival #1 because this weekend I get to go to Venice for Carnival with one of my best friends, Elenor. Thrilled. This is one thing I definitely wanted to see when I came here. Stay tuned to see the difference.
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