It’s my third visit to Venice (this time just for a weekend, at the opening of the carnival) and I always find it fascinating…
Beyond the typical postcard pretty views by day…
Venice’s soul comes alive when the crowds recede and the light starts dimming.
In the back “alleys”, colors become vibrant…
… as locals come out for a stroll.
Then, real magic happens, and “traffic lights” takes a whole new meaning.
Taxis are far from your typical black or yellow cabs…
…and they are definitely the way to arrive in style.
In comparison, other forms of transportation may appear more “pedestrian” – almost from a bygone era.
Did you notice people dressed up? Yes, it’s Carnival!
… or to try reclaiming the city from the hordes, bringing Saint Marco’s piazza back to its past mystery and glory, by quite literally taking it over again.
It’s also the perfect opportunity to reveal your true self and mingle freely, beyond categorization and judgement.
Even Elvis and… eh… Michael J.?! come back to join the party…
When light fades let your darker side come out…
… and you could make intriguing encounters….
… reminding you of the romantic soul of the city.
Later still, you might spot stranger creatures, on water…
… or even in the air! Obviously, you won’t be alone then.
Tourists are delighted by the amazing chance encounters…
… and even those who want to push the envelope should find satisfaction.
During the carnival, serenity tends to get curtailed…
… but the grandiose is never far …
… and peace is still on most doorsteps …
… under the watch of palmed locals.
Occasionally Venice looks like just another European city…
And the Venetian winged lion is everywhere to remind us of Venice’s grandeur.
This trip also gave me the opportunity to create one of my favorite street portraits so far: “Rialto Committed”
Read my article about it here!
More to come, stay tuned!
Didier.
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