The Circus

David asked:


In Italy there is a city suspended between sky and sea, his name is Venice, a unique city rich in history and art. If you come to visit you will be fascinated by her beauty, and even more if you’ll come to take its streets during the Carnival even dressed in masks to relive the emotions of the Venice of the 700th That’s because Venice is a city suspended in its glorious past when it reached its peak in 1700.

The creation of masks in Venice is a tradition that dates back to centuries ago, some say as early as 1200. Even today there are many artisans who make beautiful Venetian Masks from the most classical to the most imaginative, all strictly hand-painted and embellished with precious fabrics and feathers. Many of the masks that are sold in stores have ancient origins, especially those that come from the Commedia dell’Arte of Goldoni.

We all know the typical masks of Venice thanks to the comedy written by Goldoni, where, with wit and irony highlighted strengths and weaknesses of the Venetian nobility, merchants and their servants. The most famous among the masks goldoniana is Harlequin, a servant always perpetually hungry despite his involvement in the affairs of the family of Pantaloon surly and stingy Venetian merchant. Arlecchino is engaged with the handmaid Colombina, very mischievous Arlecchino and convinces her to fulfill every desire, especially to buy everything we want.

Pantalone is a miserly old merchant and luxurious that besets the young girls.

But because the Carnival of Venice draws the attention of the world? As early as 700 all the nobles of Europe were attracted to the carnival they could give vent to the most recondite fantasies and lustful desires protected anonymity that the mask worn during the carnival gave them. The Venetians already centuries earlier had introduced the custom of wearing masks during carnival.

Why still the Carnival of Venice is the most famous in the world? Perhaps because even today the transgressions of the past still live in private between the walls of the palace, perhaps also because dressed lady or knight has a sense walking in this city magic where time seems to take us in the past. It ‘true that the emotions that you live are definitely unique and powerful emotional impact. You will not be yourself, you feel being part of an ancient world, magical. Walking the streets of Venice or in the fields you will feel as if the city did always and if you have the good fortune to come into a building where there is a private party let fun, to balls, to courtship.



ASHLEY

Travelbestoffer.com asked:


Every February Venice becomes party central when a Carnival season arrives. The Carnival of Venice is a must visit at least once in your lifetime, and to get into the spirit of things, a mask is a must.

The Venice Carnival is the most internationally known festival celebrated in Venice, Italy, as well as being one of the oldest. Venetians wear masks since the 15th century, but the tradition can be traced back to the beginning of the 14th Century.Certainly the symbol of the Carnival is the MASK, the most famous of the Venetian masks is the “bauta”, the white, smooth and essential mask. Masks are a big cottage industry in today’s Venice, and sold all year round. You can buy masks all over Venice including the islands of the lagoons. They are handcrafted by local artists and are real piece of art. For this and many other reasons the carnival of Venice is still today one of the most attractive European Carnival. People come from all over the world to attend private and public masked balls and masked revellers of all ages invade the campi where music and dancing continues nearly day and night. Theatrical performances and an array of ancient games are organized for the amusement of Venetians and visitors alike.

Don’t miss this year Venice Carnival! The Venetian Carnival 2008 runs from January 25th to February 5th.

Fights + Hotels

From London to Venice start from £ 137.00

HOSTELS

in Venice - Prices start from £24.00

Enjoy one of the most exclusive masked balls of the year!!!!!



MARQUIS

Gen Wright asked:


g people living in crowded places seek an outlet. So they turn to urban sports. Very little gear is required, and the sport can take place anywhere, and at any time. As they only take place in urban dwellings, they are labeled as urban sports.

However, urban sports is different from extreme sports. Urban sports are much safer, when compared to extreme sports. Extreme sports are much more dangerous exercises. Very often, extreme means the execution of highly difficult and usually dangerous stunts. The human limit is constantly being tested and pushed in extreme sports. The return for taking on such risks is an irreplaceable adrenalin rush.

If you are thinking of taking up a sport, start by assessing the activities in your area. It could be street soccer, skateboarding, stunt biking, or even basketball. Any urban activity can be taken as an urban sport. There are no strict definitions. Take note of the similarities from these sports activities.

Before you start, you will need some urban sports clothing and gear. These items are usually readily available in major sports retail shops. Many activities like ball games don’t require you to own much gear. All you need is a good pair of street shoes and some sports clothing and you are ready to go.

Make sure that your clothing suits the activity that you are taking part in. Most urban games require lateral movement, which means that a pair of jogging shoes may not be the best fit. Major brands like Nike and Adidas now have street shoes that can be worn for casual outings or for street sports.

Participating in an urban sport does have its own benefits. You never need to travel far to join the sport, since it takes place in your neighborhood. Gather a few friends who share the same interest in your neighborhood and start practicing. A sport provides a form of regular exercise, which can help improve your overall health and fitness.

When you become more comfortable with urban sports, consider joining some extreme sports. For extreme activities, always think about safety. Equip yourself with protective gear. Never attempt any stunts without the proper protective gear such as helmets, gloves, knee guards, etc.

Extreme sports may include mountain biking, stunt biking, stunt blading, etc. The lines are grey when it comes to extreme activities. New games are being invented by young people every day. The young and the adventurous always seek new thrills and excitement. So look out for new activities that catch your eye. You may wish to try them out some time.

A word of caution though - never attempt any extreme activity without proper guidance and training. Most sports require a certain amount of training before you are able to master the tricks. If you are just a beginner, don’t be proud. Start from the basics and build up your strength and skill.

RANDALL