Italy from the Inside

Venice Carnival 2007 (video)


In our February trip to Italy, we had the opportunity to spend a day in Venice during Carnevale. I’m always fascinated by the beauty of the costumes that make their appearance in a very crowded Piazza San Marco. Children and adults line up to have their pictures taken with these wonderful ‘walking artistic expressions’. Animation, popular music and dancing bring together locals and visitors.

This short 3-mins video captures some of the spirit of this year’s Venice Carnival.

– Can’t see the video? Watch it from YouTube
– iPod version (MP4 – 13Mb)
– Zune version (WMV – 10Mb)

Italian hand gestures explained (video)


When it comes to speaking with their hands, the Italians are masters. Many gestures are just meant to emphasize normal conversations. Some others belong to the category of Parolacce (bad words). This video summarizes some of the most popular hand gestures that you may happen to witness in your next trip to Italy.
Beware, you may end up learning more than what you wished.

– Download the iPod version of this video (6MB)
– Can’t see the video? Watch it from YouTube

UPDATE: Within 48h from its release, this video has already gained 6 YouTube Honors, among those the #16 most viewed travel video and #15 top rated travel video.