A few months ago a good writer friend of mine started making noises about going to Venice, Italy in February (now), and having me and some other friends come along to split the costs of the Airbnb house. Venice has *always* been on my bucket list, so I figured out how to get the money (off season prices!) and the childcare (thank you to my mother in law!) and go.

Today is my fourth day in the city, and I am still absolutely blown away by its beauty. Most cities I’ve been to, even old ones, have a few pretty or historic streets with the rest of the city being, well, city. Not Venice. Every time you turn a corner, it seems, there’s another canal, another church, another nice bridge or beautiful courtyard with beautiful stonework. The cafes are gorgeous, and everywhere you turn there’s masks and blown glass for sale. It’s a bit dirty, of course, and the canals do not always smell good, but even though I’m often so cold I can’t stand it, I’m thrilled to walk and look and see a whole new world.

Even better, we are here at Carneval, where the whole city it seems lets go of their seriousness, dresses up in costumes and masks, and celebrates being alive. We’ve seen a parade of boats, and such amazing costumes. Plus many more carneval activities yet to come over the weekend.

I am so grateful to be here, and to have the opportunity to see something I’ve always wanted to see with good friends. I can feel my creative soul waking up, taking in the sights, and taking an opportunity to renew and recharge.