I am a professor on sabbatical from SF, Calif, and I will be going to Venice for a couple of weeks from Jan 20th to Feb 1. I hope to be able to see a few days of the carnival festivities while I am there. I noticed that some of the people that post here live in Venice.

Would any of you be willing to provide some local insight as to things to see or do that are a bit off the regular tourist path. I have been to Venice twice before. This time I am at an apartment for most of the trip and the Hotel Luna Hotel Baglioni for the last few days.

Any thoughts on that hotel? Sites? Events? What to bring to wear for Carnival? I have a silk renaissance dress that I wear to the ren. faire here.

Last time I was in Venice I stayed at the Hotel Gioroggoni, and that was very nice. Personally two of my favorite places to eat are the Osteria del Bomba and Trattoria Ca'd'Oro (Le Vedova). and the Bellini’s at Harry’s Bar are fabulous, though expensive, but worth it every time.

I plan to do a lot of photography and some writing while there as well. I would appreciate any assistance you could offer. Also, if interested, I would be happy to meet to buy you a cup of espresso or glass of wine in trade for any tips.

I look forward to hearing from you.

J

As you may already know, there is a website:

www.carnivalofvenice.com

...that gives a day-by-day breakdown of concerts and events.

For my first visit during Carnevale I brought one of my Renaissance Faire costumes (btw I certainly miss Black Pointe Forest!) It was this Italian noblewoman get-up that was head to toe red velvet and lace and weighed approximately 70 pounds. But I can assure I was the only person in Venice with that outfit- because it was from an earlier period than all the others around me at the balls.

Have you ever seen the looks given at Ren Faire when somebody shows up looking like Guinevere (i.e. Middle Ages and eras before)? The "costume purists" tend to regard you as inept, to say the least...

It wasn't like this for me. I was complimented many times about the detail and quality of the costume, so I was pleased in that. I should hope so, as many hours as it had taken to sew years before!

Bringing a Renaissance costume is likely okay, although the costumes at Carnevale are generally 17th and 18th century costumes. As long as you're comfortable with it, go for it. You're behind a mask and it's not as if you'll ever see these people again (just kidding!)

For venue, themes and ticket information you can also go to www.meetingineurope.com

For costume rental info:
www.pietrolonghi.com
www.lavenexiana.it
www.tragicomica.it

That sounds likes a very fun thing to do, Boodja. Did you have any problem transporting the costume to Venice?

J,

It warranted its own suitcase!

Thanks for the advice. My costume is silk skirt and sleeves and brocade bodice and certainly not as elaborate as what you described. The main difference is the more narrow sleeves and a less bustled skirt.. I don’t figure I will be going to any grand balls worthy of costume rental and this will actually fit in my suitcase. It’s more of an “elegant lady” looking thing as opposed to the typical ren faire “serving wench’ type get up. My thought is that if I need to desperately (for some unknown reason) go to some formal ball, I can rent something. If not, a close costume is at least better than regular clothes.

Any other advice or thoughts is certainly welcome.

Thanks again.