The History of the Venetian Masks

When I was walking through the streets of Venice, I was so curious to know why all of the masks? When we first got to Venice, we had lunch at a small ristorante.  The man that was our waitor explained the meaning and the history behind these masks.  But I wanted to explain what he told us and show you the pictures I took of these amazing masks!!

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE MASKS

The first date of the Mask celebration was in 1268! As Venice grew to be a popular tourist spot in Italy, the masks grew as major social figures.  They were used for hiding identity! Also, there were many social parties and celebrations in Venice and there were also a number of homosexuals at this time and people looked down on them.  But, if they wore a mask, they could hide their identity. It was quite interesting! Now, these masks are everywhere in Venice :)

Here are some neat masks I saw, while walking the streets of Venice.  Also here is a website that I looked at for information and research.  CHECK IT OUT!

http://touritaly.org/tours/venice/venice07.htm

Walking through Venice

Walking in the streets of Venice was astonishing! I love that their means of transportation are by boat and water. I loved the central part of Venice it was beautiful! Venice and Cinque Terre were probably my favorite places so far and I just love their overall atmosphere. I love that it is quiet and calm in the streets and the water is very calming.  They were known for Masks, Glass, and Gondolas.

Inspiration of Vitra Design Museum

Walking in the Vitra Design Museum

Walking in the Vitra Design Museum was truly inspiring! I absolutely loved this Museum. It definitely made me want to go back to my apartment and start creating things.  I definitely want to buy the book of all of the exhibits to have as a reference and to look back at.  This truly inspired me in several ways.  I thought about how these designs and great pieces of artwork are created by simple every day objects. It was so neat to see how someone can take balloons and make this huge artwork out of it.  Or use beanie babies to make a chair! Or use paper and candle wax to make designs.  It was crazy!!! Literally, as soon as I get home I am going to use the concept of this museum and create my own masterpieces!


I loved every minute of that museum! Here is the link to the museum website :)


http://www.design-museum.de

Top 10 places I want to walk in...

1. Paris

2. London

3. Greece

4. Germany

5. Sicily

6. Tuscany

7. Ireland

8. Scotland

9. Sweden

10. Monte Carlo

Wandering through Florence

Walking in the streets of Florence, was pretty remarkable! I loved the Duomo in Florence. It was very detailed and intricate. The Golden Doors of Florence were also very interesting. I loved looking at each section of the door. Florence was packed major landmarks such as the Duomo and the statue of David. There is a lot of history behind Florence as well. It was very interesting to walk the streets of Florence. My favorite moment in Florence, was when we were walking and we found the Arno river. The Arno river was amazing. This was another moment that was truly inspiring to me. Again, it made me re-evaluate my life and look at how truly blessed I am to be here <3

Climbing in Cinque Terre

 Walking in the streets of Cinque Terre, was incredible! Cinque Terre is a series of "5" villages that borders the Mediterranean Sea.  This was by far my favorite place that I have seen! I loved how quiet the villages were.  Each village was different in their own way.  It was exciting to climb and hike a large hill as well. They made me feel very relaxed and I just wanted to truly take in the moment.  This is a place where I thought about my life a lot.  I thought about how lucky I am to experience something so amazing.  

 It made me realize that people wait a lifetime to experience what I am experiencing.  People wait a lifetime to see what I am seeing.  I am very fortunate and appreciative for the opportunity that I have been given!

Looking around in Lake Como

Walking in the streets of Lake Como, was very beautiful! I really enjoyed Lake Como and the tour of the Silk Museum and the Silk Factory.  Learning about silk and how it is produced and how it is created was very inspiring. At the silk production factory, it was truly amazing to see top designer's products being printed and created.  I really enjoyed the dyeing and printing process the most.  I felt very privileged to be able to see Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Salvatore Ferragamo, etc.

Here are some pictures of the silk factory!! Be jealous!! :)

Spending time in Switzerland

Walking in the streets of Switzerland was unlike anything I have ever experienced before.  It felt very tranquil, calm, and peaceful.  I really enjoyed Switzerland. We walked in the streets of Bern, Luzern, and Olten.  Bern is the capital of Switzerland. Switzerland is known for Swiss cheese and  Swiss Chocolate.  Of course, we had to test it out! :) It was amazing, if you were wondering.  I actually bought a few chocolate bars to take home for my family.  I really enjoyed Luzern as well.  The mountains and hills were breathtaking.  We took a Farris wheel ride to see the entire city. 

In terms of fashion, the Swiss didn't seem to concerned.  They seemed to dress more casual and for comfort.  It was very cold in Switzerland; therefore, they were layering pieces.  Their lifestyle seemed very slow and peaceful.  It didn't seem that these cities were very fast paced at all.  Overall, I really enjoyed Switzerland!

Watching the people in the streets

Watching the people in Europe is fascinating! Whether they are walking with friends, shopping, eating, or just traveling from one place to another; I enjoy watching.  There are many interesting people in the world.  I love to look at what they are wearing and how they wear it. Looking at how people dress in Europe, is also very inspiring.  They inspire me in several ways.