VENICE, ITALY
«12-16Feb. 2026»
IL CARNEVALE

Immediately after checking in I went to the San Marco area for a bit of evening photography.

The Scots know how to dress warm (deservedly)!

I approached this couple on the Ponte dell'Accademia, they looked very happy & relaxed!

The first full day had mist lingering most of the day. Very chilly, not much interest in the gondolas.

The only place here in Venice they still build gondolas. No visitors allowed inside.
The backdoor allowed me a quick picture. Tour groups go to the other side, they get a speech, but also can't enter.

Speaks for itself, "BASTA VIOLENZA CONTRO LE DONNE!" Femicide continues..

The first full day here we had fog lasting most of the day.

The previous day we had moved from the VCE-Marco Polo airport by the 'waterbus' (Alilaguna) into town.
For the local moving about I had bought Actv passes upon arrival @VCE though we hardly used them
as we stayed near the Ponte dell'Accademia and in 15 minutes I was on Piazza San Marco, center of the action.

Spectacular clothing

"A degree of obsession often produces the best work; but it does not produce the best life." ¬John Cleese

I helped to make photos on their smartphones, then of course I insisted on taking a photo on my camera too!

With the Campanile di San Marco in the background; imposing 16th-century churchtower with clocks
and an angel on the top. If you don't mind climbing stairs (and waiting in line) there is a view at the sea.

Steampunk! I love it!

I could not always avoid the crowds on Pza. San Marco while also enjoying the Basilica di San Marco in the background.

KIDS

A splendid little feller!

Confetti is part of the fun for these kids these days

On the right is the Basilica di San Marco.

Acqua Alta on Piazza San Marco!

To the apartment we stayed in, our host had met us nearby to lead the way.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME!

Two flights up we had 2 floors for 4 nights, rented from Mattia Leandro. Nicely decorated, with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one bath, one shower). In Mattia we found a fine & friendly host.
+

Looking down, this area had another reading area with a comfy chair.

PHOTOGRAPHERS


People had friends or professional photographers following them, most
likely for their Insta account I expect. Selfies only go sofar.

The Tennessee girls! She swirled and her friend filmed her, for their Insta account.
+

Evaluating the results. Told them I hadn't been to Tennessee yet: "you haven't missed much", she replied☺

Descending the crowded steps of the Accademia bridge with care.

"Did you get the photo?", he inquired. Yep!

Easily trampled in the crowds

The cameras I used were Sony A7IV (w/ Sony 24-105 G OSS) and compact cameras
Sony RX100 VII + Canon G5X II. I excluded pix here taken by my Samsung S25, which I used for Facebook.

The 'Three Musketeers'..?

Florid and flamboyant!

I love that Japanese samourai outfit, quite unique!

In front of the Giunti al Punto bookshop where I did buy an excellent photobook on 'VENEZIA'.
Other bookshops I visited, and purchased books and souvenirs, were Acqua Alta, La Toletta and Studium.
www.libreriacqualta.it/en/the-bookstore/
Libreria Studium is a bookshop by The Merchant of Venice. La Toletta is almost 100 years in place!

Moving away from the crowds, along the canals and through alley, one finds
persons slowly walking, pausing for a pose, or going to a spot to be photographed by a Pro.

Twins

I really love this 'empathetic' smile!

The dog did wonder what all the fuss was about..

One of my favourite photos of these series, as a portrait..

I took this photo through the window of a café; all dressed up but that smartphone shows the day & age.

At the end of the day, a cold and misty return.

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