Ciao Bella! : Six Take Italy (2021) by Langbroek Kate

Ciao Bella! : Six Take Italy (2021) by Langbroek Kate

Author:Langbroek, Kate [Langbroek, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00


26

CARNIVALE: THE BALL

I do not understand people who do not like to dress up. You know, those naysayers who turn up at a fancy dress or office Christmas party in t-shirt and trousers or a little black dress? Although they are physically present, and may be deeply adored by the assembled, they rarely seem to contribute much to the life of the party. To my mind they are akin to those strange and stubborn souls who refuse to dance. Often they plead shyness, though their refusal to be swayed by either rhythm or fantasy seems to have an unspoken undercurrent of disapproval; that somehow those who are adorned in multi-hued wigs or togas, or pimp suits or naughty nurses’ outfits (or have simply draped their normal clothes with strings of tinsel) are foolish or frivolous. Because, if they are shy, why wouldn’t they embrace the anonymity afforded by a costume? Let’s face it, in a roomful of spangles and colour, you are far more conspicuous in streetwear; just as you are standing, determinedly unmoving, at the edge of a heaving dancefloor.

This is not an issue for the festival of Carnevale in this month when all of Venezia commits to colour and costume. It is much like medieval Halloween, and the prospect of being a part of this is irresistible for me and Peter, who are united in our love of a fancy dress event. It is so transformative and playful. It is fun. Plus, much as my mother says of a wood stack: ‘It warms you twice’ (with the chopping of the wood and the subsequent fire). You get to enjoy a fancy dress event in many ways prior to the occasion itself. There is the planning, the consultation with friends, the selection of outfits, the glorious anticipation and then, of course, the donning of strange and elaborate garments, all before the joy of the actual party.

So we are in Venice, getting ready for our Carnevale ball, refreshed and steeped in so much luxury. Not just the opulence of our physical surrounds, which are glorious, with the low Venetian sun glowing muted amber through the shutters of our hotel room, but also that we are here without children. No interruptions, no preparing of dinner, no resolving of squabbles or issuing of edicts for the evening ahead. We are two grownups getting ready – for what, we are not exactly sure, but adventure awaits, and we are both here for it.

If there is one regret I have, it is that I don’t have a lady-in-waiting laying out my costume. Wriggling into my stockings and giant hooped skirt takes the better part of ten minutes and, although I wanted to surprise Peter by suddenly appearing, transformed, I finally have to enlist his help. He has to lace up my corset, which ties at the back, Scarlett O’Hara style, and (eek!) requires some serious muscle to cinch in my well-fed waist. I need his assistance once more after I have squeezed into the bathroom and wedged my enormous bustle against the wall so I can use the toilet.



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