Never forget Venice

While the carnival activity in historic Venice is unique, thanks to the excellent official website, I find out about more conventional displays in the environs. The island of Burano (not to be confused with the glass-blowing island of Murano) is a half-hour vaporetto ride from the Castello district. Even the houses seem to have joined in the carnival spirit. A couple of days later, in a typical Venice fog, I travel to the Lido for the beginning of the parade before bad light stops play. Finally, a short train ride to Mestre on the mainland leads to its carnival. It's a no-nonsense, unfussed place, totally the flip side of Venice, and could do with some lightening up---which it duly gets.

After 10 days in Venice, the carnival is over but it's been a thoroughly satisfying visit.Read more