Lido di Venezia

Some of the world's most colourful festivals take place just prior to Lent - Mardi Gras in Rio and Carnevale in Venice. They mark a final chance for decedance and frivolity before 40 days of piety and restraint herald the start of Easter. Carnevale has been taking place in Venice each year since the 15th Century. It most famous highlight is the Gran Ballo delle Maschere or Grand Masked Ball. Attendees dress in period costumes and suitably lavish masks.

Over the centuries masks and their craft have become one of Venice's most enduring art forms. On our third day in town we decided to wander the lanes behind San Marco that are home to many of Venice's talented mask craftsmen. Each mask is a work of art. The basic design is first moulded using paper mache, then painted and decorated with feathers, beads and other accessories. In one small shop we came across an old woman painting finishing touches on a series of spectacular masks.

As lunch approached we decided to venture across the Venetian lagoon to Lido di Venezia. The lagoon is protected from the Adriatic Sea by a line of barrier islands. Lido is the largest. It can be reached by a short boat ride. After an enjoyable pizza lunch, we wandered down to the beachfront for a brief paddle in the Adriatic. The beach is rather drab and sand a dirty shade of grey. Perhaps its most striking feature is row after row of beach huts and changing cabins. Literally thousands stretch as far as the eye can see along the coastline.

Lido's only redeeming feature was its gelato. We found the best vendor in all of Venice while strolling back to our homeward bound boat. My three sccops were heaven!