Carnivale and the Sleeper Train Experience

Venice scenery

This past weekend was certainly one for the books. In less than 24 hours I experienced Carnivale and then headed off on a trip through the Tuscan countryside with the CUA program. I was about to go to two places that I had always dreamed of going.

I have been learning about Carnivale since I started taking Italian classes in the 7th grade. The masks, food, celebration and the beautiful city of Venice were always things that I had hoped I could one day experience myself. On Saturday February 11th, Italiaidea was brave enough to take about 60 Loyola and CUA students to Venice for Carnivale.

Carnivale enthusiasts

Venice is a city where roads are replaced with waterways and where the heart of the Carnivale season can be found. The city is absolutely spectacular and the spirit of Carnivale is everywhere. With this being a very cold winter for Europe in general, Venice was absolutely freezing and windy. The weather did not hold us back from exploring the city and celebrating Carnivale. After being guided through the city to St. Mark's Square, a group of us weaved though the crowds of people dressed in masks and elaborate costumes. We ran into some Loyola students who have been studying in the Belgium program. Sometimes I cannot believe how small the world really is when I run into friends from home while studying in Europe.

Loyola students in the Carnivale spirit

To prepare for the parade that was to pass through St. Mark's Square, we bought masks to wear throughout the city. I bought a white one with a large feather and proudly wore it until dinner. We managed to get warm, eat a delicious lunch of what other than pizza, and watch some of the parade. Afterward we attempted to take some of the classic "LOYOLA" pictures in front of some gondolas.

My sleeper train bed.

After some more exploring, shopping and another delicious dinner it was time to return to Rome. We managed to experience Carnivale in less that 24 hours and were about to experience the "luxury" of an Italian sleeper train. Rooms of four beds were set up for us to sleep in during out 6 hour train ride back home. These private rooms had one thin sheet and pillow per person as well as no heat whatsoever. Everyone slept in there full outfits, jacket, gloves, hats and scarves included. I don't think I have ever been so cold in my life and happier to wake up at 6 a.m..

Us zombie-like students made our way back to St. John's to prepare for the rescheduled Tuscany trip.