Day 2 in Venice.

The next morning began too soon, but in record time we were all ready for brunch at The Danieli

It was a Victorian theme as we dined in the same rooms that had been graced by the presence of  Proust, Wagner, & Dickens.

Done with the deluxe Danieli, we took to the streets. Now, did I say it was Carnevale?

 What is Carnevale you ask. Can you say Mardi Gras? DELUXE! Some of the costumes being worn were worth more than I make in a month!!

An incredible sight of some quite magnificent costumes and masks. Now we brought our costumes and a few masks, but we also bought some cool masks while we were there.

But the most important part of that day was...

This was an incredible event set in a time that once and never was. Located at the Venetian Casino, this was a most memorable event. It began with a water taxi ride to the main event. Then we used the incredibly detailed map to find our way from the landing to the ball.

Once we found our way through the main doors, we made our way up the grand stairway, our path strewn with fresh rose petals, tossed before us by fair young maidens as we ascended to the ball room. At the top of the steps, we were stopped by a master at arms, who took our invitation and handed it to the heralds.

In a synchronized motion, they pounded their pole arms three times upon the floor and announced our arrival. And we did arrive in style!

The ball was pricey, but I can truly say it lived up to all expectations and then some. Incredible pre dinner Hors d'Oeuvres, plenty of champagne for Victor to sample, and a very well dressed crowd.

The table was elegantly set, and the meal was incredible. Each and every dish from the first bite, to the last enjoyable nibble. Now admittedly some people had a problem with the way some of the dishes looked, but we all endured. Good food, good wine, great company!

After the meal, we were provided entertainment, both in the banquet room, where we were framed,

to some fabulous dancing and shows in the main hall

Now I almost have to assume our bride & groom to be were set up, as they were brought to the fore, fair Kitty was taken to the stage to stand amongst several sumptuous maidens, and Steve was blind folded before being allowed on the stage as well.

Next, various parts of the fair maidens were exposed, arms, necks, knees, and legs. Poor Steve was forced to touch and caress each maiden upon the stage. (how he endured I do not know) But with each task he was forced to perform, and even with the most devious attempts of the hosts to hoodwink him, or groom to be knew what he was feeling, and each time he knew when it was Kitty that he was groping. After a resounding round of applause for the victorious Steve, another couple was brought to the stage, this one an older long married pair. He failed with the very first feel! Game over.  So even though Steve ended up being right time after time, their repeated efforts to dupe him were, uh, quite beneficial, as feel after feel, no matter who it was his hands touched, he always proved his love for Kitty! The things one most do to prove their love.

A short time later we all adjourned to the nether regions of the mansion. And then the party went into full gear. The music was turned up and the dancing began.

There are more images of this incredible night that will be posted as soon as they are developed. Sadly, many of the digital ones came out blurred. So there will be a delay before any more get posted.

 Click HERE to move on to the next day of wandering the misty streets.