However, I wanted to finish this blog with a few thoughts.
The first one, and it is not related to Venice at all, was the one very low point of this trip for me. Having so many fabulous memories of this trip, it is a shame that one which stands out is an ugly one. On our return to London, John and I went to a John Lewis department store in a mall outside of central London. It is in an area where a lot of the people are Jewish. In the mall parking lot, there was a beautiful new Mercedes and, on its hood, someone had "keyed" a large Swastika. Seeing in person a symbol which represents such a dark time in history really punched me in the gut. It had much more impact than when I've seen photos in the newspaper or on TV. I just don't get the hatred that seems to have been given a stronger voice lately. It was truly disgusting!
Okay, back to the Venetian part of the trip. It was sort of humorous how, at the start of our days in costume, I had to twist John's and Pedro's arms to put on any kind of makeup at all. As it was, they drew the line at lipstick and initially they were reluctant even to put it on. By the end of our stay though they were calling me saying, "Maureen, where did you put the lipstick. I need it and can't find it." We are talking about returning to Venice in two years. Perhaps by then, I will be able to persuade them to try eyeliner, eye shadow and blush as well!
During our stay, Faye and Barry arranged a dinner with some people they know from their previous visits to Carnevale. Several of the folks we had dinner with were professional photographers. I have since "friended" one of them and I would like to share some of his work with you. Kah Kit Yoong is a very talented photographer and I think his photos are stunning. I hope you agree.
So, with that, this blog is finished and I can't wait to start writing the next one - wherever that may take place. I hope you have enjoyed hearing about my Venetian experience.
