Cute Little Kids - Sundays in My City

Spotted this on the way to rather non-descript building downtown where I had to go take care of some rather boring logistical requirements.  It was a part of town I hadn't been in yet and I was early (because I have a fear of being late) so I was wandering a bit to kill time.

A Good Day for Gelato - Sundays in My City

The weather has been really nice for the last few days.  The parks have been full of kids and everyone has been out walking and jogging and biking.  Today I stopped for a gelato.  Mind you, I can eat gelato even if it's freezing outside :D

I love extra dark chocolate and I once found blueberry gelato but today I planned to get lemon.  I actually get lemon pretty often.  It's so bright and crisp and not overly sweet.  When I got there I saw a new flavor...pear and ginger (pera e zenzero) so I got a double scoop: lemon and pera e zenzero).  The pera e zenzero was obviously made with fresh pears as I could taste that distinctive pear texture...you know, pears have those little almost-crunchy bits.  But sadly I couldn't taste any ginger at all.  And I really love ginger which is why I ordered this flavor.  But still, the day was beautiful and the lemon was, as usual, refreshing.  So all in all, no complaints.

Limone, pera e zenzero gelato e un giorno bellissimo.

What's your favorite treat on a beautiful day?

Venice Carnevale Attempted - Sundays in My City

Carnevale is an annual festival held in Venice.  It has undergone multiple different manifestations over the years.  It now mostly takes place over a few weekends.  A few years ago I went to the Carnaval (different languages spell it differently) celebration in the south of the Netherlands when I was living there.

A couple weeks ago I attempted to experience Carnevale in Venice.  I can't say it was at all enjoyable unless you particularly like seeing nothing but the back of the person against whom you're smashed while having no control over where you go as you're completely at the will of the mass.

I only managed a couple pictures as I had not the will to fight the masses.  Honestly, I have no desire to experience that ever again.  Surely I'll go to Venice many more times but I'll make a point of not going when there's a big event happening!

It took so long to get here (St. Mark's Square) that we missed the main event (Flight of the Angel).

Masks are a big part of the Carnevale celebration.  I took this one on the train using my phone.  I don't know why it looks almost water-colored...probably just because I have a cheap little phone without a good camera.

Fritale, or "little frieds,"  are a traditional Carnevale sweet.  I really had no interest in trying them since they look like little fried doughnuts and I don't like doughnuts but in the spirit of trying the things that go with the places where I am, I got 2 from the bakery next door.

I was right, they are basically little fried doughnuts but with raisins and cream.  Much like the Carnevale festival itself, I've no need to experience these again.

If you aren't like me and don't hate crowds then perhaps Carnevale is something you'd enjoy.  There are plenty of beautiful pictures and videos available online and from now on I'll be more than satisfied to look at those!

How do you feel about big crowded festivals?  Have you ever been to Carnevale?