I love....

My new swatch watch!

Venetian masks are for highway hookers.

Or at least they were.

While I was shopping for a mask I found myself wondering where would I wear it?

My sister wanted one to frame on her wall like Marissa Cooper in the O.C but Marissa was rich and could no doubt afford one from ‘Veniceland’.

Curious as to all the W’s (who, what, why etc) about ye ol’ Venetian masks I discovered they have a bit of a naughty history.

In the 13th Century the Venetian republic realised certain benefits to wearing a mask. All identities were hidden preventing any of form of inequality or prejudice.

Of course it did not take long for people to realise other perks. A little somethin' somethin' comes to mind.

Men (probably married) could now get down and dirty with whoever they wanted. (also probably married) Women could flaunt 'it'. Even nuns and monks could get some action. Dodgy deals could be made, and gambling became highly popular, even for children. All free from judgment or consequence and without fear. Yippeah!

Imagine today.

Lady: "A man just robbed me."

Police officer: "OK lady, what did he look like?"

Lady: "He was wearing a mask."

Police officer: "Oh that's a shame, if he was wearing a mask there is not much I can do."

The Catholic Church eventually outlawed masks. (party poopers)

Not to worry though, a compromise was reached. It was declared that dressing in gloriously decorated masks to celebrate in excess free from nosy parkers was allowed in the three months following the 26th December (pheww!). Evolving into the week long celebration, carnevale.

(Meow!)

They say modern day Carnevale celebrations breathe fresh air into the art and craft of making Venetian Masks. I say that tourists being dazzled by the glitz combined with their jolly holiday mood and a need to impulse buy would have something to do with it’s liveliness.

(Roar!)

It would be very lucrative.

Indeed.

(All pics from we heart it. I sourced the info from google)

Venice Venice Land.

(Pic from we heart it)

Dear G-or-gina and Poophie,

Q: What is grey, dirty, flies, and makes me scream in terror?

A: A pigeon blipping me in the face.

(pic from we heart it)

I wasn’t paying attention and Boom! Now I am paranoid my face might have caught something.

Pigeons rule the city of Venice and for some sick reason tourists love having their picture taken with them draped over their body.

(pic from we heart it)

They are rats.

You wouldn’t have your picture taken with street rats crawling all over you! Would you?

Arriving in Venice, no map. Lachie was relying on me because I have been to Venice. It was three years ago and I had a guide. I have no idea. I figured it all leads to same square. So I picked narrow streets and bridges at random and hoped for the best.

Venice is bigger than I remember. With 177 islands, 150 canals and 400 bridges it’s no wonder we got lost.

Gondelas, canals, old buildings, alley ways. Venice is pretty. At the same time I wouldn’t spend more than a day there. You might get bored.

Street art doesn't lie.

I spent the day dragging Lachie to every single Mask shop I could find.

(pic from we heart it)

My favourite shop was called Veniceland! It was spectacular. Like going to the Lost Forest as a kid to have a puggle party for your birthday. For those that don’t recall puggle parties perhaps like going to the Mcdonalds train then. It was a land of its own. So much glitter and sparkle. I think the masks had real diamonds on them. That’s the only logical explanation I could come up with for the price.

It was a true peter pan moment.

I didn’t buy a mask. I decided they were too expensive.

I ate all day. Licorice was good.

So were the biscuits.

I wish diamonds were my best friend. (and coral)

Dear G-or-gina and Poophie,

My birthday is coming up. Feel free to buy me gold, coral, or tourqoise.

Ok bye.

(This picture is borrowed from we heart it.)

“Lachie stop”

“Lachhieee”

“LACHIE!!!!!”

*Lachie waddling off into the distance*

Lachie is deaf (although he won't admit it) and I am not going to cause a scene to get his attention.

He’ll figure it out sooner or later, I think to myself.

I have bigger fish to fry.

(borrowed from we heart it)

I was standing on the oldest bridge in Florence, paved in gold – literally.

Not being able to make purchases is torture. (I have window shopped my way around Europe) I had to choose between eating and shopping. Of course being the guts that I am, food wins - most of the time.

From London to Rome my thought process has been.

“It’s OK I’ll shop in Florence.”

“I can buy Leather boots.”

“If I don't my feet will get cold.”

“It will be an investment.”

Next I tested it out loud. Lachie didn’t object and my friends agreed.

“Yes, investment!” they said.

So it was decided leather boots in Florence.

YAY!

Nobody warned be about the bridge of gold.

The Ponte Vecchio is the oldest bridge in Florence. Destroyed in 1333 by a flood to be rebuilt 12 years later. It’s five arches became three and it’s load was widened. Originally home to shops that sold meat and fish. However they stunk and were soon replaced by goldsmiths – more elegant, shinier and cleaner.

During World War 11, the Ponte Vecchio was the only bridge not destroyed by the Germans, apparently by order of Hitler. (I’m not sure why) Though all the buildings on either side were destroyed making the bridge useless.

In recent bridge news the romantic yet corny act of lovers padlocking a lock to the bridge and throwing away the key as a symbol of their eternal love has been banned. It is destroying the bridge. Aren’t you crazy birds that love supposed to be about peace and not destroying an old bridge? SHAME. ON. YOU!

Finding this bridge was like arriving at a campsite to find out they stuffed up (in a good way) and you are now sleeping in a bungalow that has a FRIDGE and toilet paper. Unexpected but welcomed with arms wide open.

Everyone was there. Gold, Silver, Silver plated in Gold, either by themselves or togged in diamonds. Smooth, beautifully coloured and carved coral – shaped like a rose that comes in the form of ring, earrings and necklace.

I'll see you all in my dreams.

But my favourite was this.

Shortly after I bent an ear to hear this!

Man: Would you like me to buy that for you?

Lady: No it’s OK

Man: Are you sure? I want to buy you something.

Lady: No really it’s OK

Man: You never let me spoil you. (Sooking)

Obviously she is crazy. Or maybe she had already secretly bought herself something.

Anyone travelling to Florence make sure you factor in a little “indulge yourself” beans for sparkly, shiny, pretty things that you don’t need but want so badly.

.

Florence.

Dear G-or-gina and poophie

Don't you think it is strange how the weather can determine how you enjoy a city. Florence, a moody city known for its arts and architecture. The first time I visited Florence I hated it. It was pouring with rain, wet, bleak, dreary and depressing.

On my second visit, the weather was beautiful! Now it is easily one of my favourite cities. Hands down! With both eyes closed!

Our campsite, Camping Michelangelo was right next to Piazzale Michelangelo, a square that I didn't get to visit on my last trip. Dedicated to the great renaissance sculpter Michelangelo. The view overlooks the whole of florence. This is fantastic for sore eyes.

View from Pizzalle Michelangelo

More views!

Basillica di Santa Maria.

It is supposed to be good luck if you rub this pigs nose. Shortly after Lachie bashed his head on a pole so i'm not sure?

Pompeii

Dear G-or-gina and Poophie,

What’s your worst fear? Spiders? Maybe snakes? What about drowning? All three scare me. Imagine instead of drowning in say a pool, you are at home and have been suffocated by Lava and ash? Something most of us wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy.

Alas, in 79 Ad when mount Vesuvius erupted this is exactly what happened to the city of Pompeii; it drowned. Thousands were killed. The thriving commercial town was reduced to the excavation site that it is today.

From bakeries to brothels you get an eerie sense of the people who once thrived in Pompeii.

We were warned/ begged by people we met on the way not stay in Naples. “Seriously please do not stay in Naples,” They said.

We decided to drive from Rome to Pompeii and back in a day. Not so bad if you don’t mind paying tolls, but we do, so about 4 hours each way. After driving through Naples and surrounding Pompeii cities, I am so glad we didn’t stay the night. It’s a shedhole!!!

Stepping stones so people could cross the street. Streets were usually flooded.

Kitchen

Plaster was tipped into the holes left by disintegrating bodies of people trying to escape the eruption.

In the brothel pictures can still be seen on the various positions available. I'm guessing it was a matter of pointing and receiving.

This is where all the action took place. Stone bed and pillow. They did place mattress on top though.

To visit the excavation site it is about 11 Euros.

Make sure you have the right money and they don't have credit.

When parking in one of the many car parks they will tell you that can park for free if you eat lunch in their restaurant. However, once you sit down it is mention you have to spend 40 euros on lunch to get the free parking. So scrap lunch just pay the parking.

Definitely add Pompeii to your bucket list!

Rome Shmome - not my favourite place (sorry)

Dear G-or-gina and Poophie,

I know Rome is your favourite city. I now have mixed feelings.

Flashback! - Rome 2007

Sitting at the Trevi Fountain with Laura. We have knocked back the ‘magic water’, are now pure.

Lobbed coin with right hand over left shoulder in fountain to guarantee return to Rome.

Day.2

Sick as a dog, all I want to do is curl up and sleep. Can’t, have to line up for the Vatican City. Did a quick tour of the museum. Couldn’t hear anything. Sure it was terrific.

Sistine Chapel – Crammy, demanded silence and could not take picture, very nice though. Left Chapel, both realised we didn’t see 'creation of Adam' painting.

Lucky I threw coin in the fountain.

Present day.

Three years later (the fountain doesn't lie) I am back, equipped with a clean bill of health and a tour guide, ready to glare at Michelangelo's work in the Sistine Chapel.

The Museum and Sistine Chapel - just as spectacular the second time around, if not better. Technology has improved since my last visit and all the guides are moving on up - they have microphones now.

Fascinating - The eyes and the corner of the stone will follow you as you walk past.

At first the roof is nice, then you get told that the surface is actually flat and painted to look like it has depth and it becomes brilliant.

Glass eyeballs on statue - freaky.

I don’t have too much else to say about Rome. Just that after cramming in as many sights and museums possible for one day, we Aussies just wanted a pub, a drink and a seat. (I actually had blisters on the soles of my feet (like the song)) A simple request, yes? You would think so. Wretchedly, it is too much to want a place to rest your feet to indulge in a cut-price beverage.

However if you are looking for an overpriced café and don’t mind paying 10 Euro for a drink, then you are in the right place. Very disappointing. Bad Rome!

I know, I know it’s all my fault. I was probably in the wrong spot or something.

Probably they said.