Venice: signs, masks and Spritz at the Florian

Since there are no cars or bikes in Venice, there are no traffic signs either. But there are other signs, and some are quite funny! I hope that Aussie blogger Red will appreciate these (she always post great images of cool signs!). BTW, the signs above weren't in San Marco, but in a small calle (Venetian street) near a pub.

We visited Venice before Carnival, but there were already coriandoli on the streets (small colourful paper confetti to through at people during carnival). And of course we went to a mask shop and laboratory and bought a couple of masks. Fun to notice that the mask maker was sporting a cardigan with the same pattern of Arlecchino, the most famous Venetian mask and Commedia dell'Arte character.

From the Trieste's post (and probably older posts too) you probably have noticed that I love historic cafes. My favourite in Venice is the Florian (although the Quadri is also magnificent) and I know that it is expensive, but for a treat it is unbeatable! First of all I like to sit inside, while most tourists go outside, maybe they like to be in the square, but I rather look at the interior decor, since most cafes in NZ tend to be rather modern or retro (sorry, my Italian blood needs a little dose of history now and then - btw, the Florian opened in 1720, so it is the oldest cafe in Italy!), and then there are too many pigeons outside! As a plus the service at the Florian is great: formal yet relaxed, the waiters (all men) are professional but  can talk informally if you like (in a few languages), and they all seem to be pleasant and handsome. And you are allowed to take your time: you can sit for as long as you like in there, use the beautiful clean toilets (instead of the public toilets in the square, for which you have to pay for anyway), they have great chocolate and coffee, and make a good spritz too (my favourite aperitif).

Photos by Alessandra Zecchini and Arantxa Zecchini Dowling ©