And how was your weekend?

Mine started with the first bee, continued with the selection of the Slovenian Eurovision Song Contest entry, and finished with my first Italian carnevale in Orbetello.

A rare post on current affairs. I had a fun-filled weekend.

I saw the first bee this year on a rosemary bush.

On Saturday night the people of Slovenia chose the Slovenian entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Israel. It is the work of two people in love and nobody else, and it shows.

The translation (not mine) of the lyrics is here. She is singing “When your burden is heavy / You can take refuge in me” while they are holding hands, and it’s just out of this world. And in the chorus she says “The stars are not always visible / Stay true to yourself”. Not a bad massage at all.

Have a listen, Europe and the world.

And finally, on Sunday we went to nearby Orbetello, yes, the one with the flamingo lagoon, and I witnessed my first Italian carnival. I have never been either to Venice or Viareggio or any other place with the big procession, so I was very happy with this little one. It is called the Carnevaletto da Tre Soldi and this year it celebrated its 50th edition. Despite the three coins in the name, it cost us four Euro apiece.

We didn’t even stay until the end because bestia was not very happy with the noises and loud music. Amore did his best to keep him safe from all the harm, so that I could take photos and have my first gelato. The vibe was very happy, there were plenty of masked children and some adults too, and I was reminded once again why I love Italians. They love life.

We shall return here one day, today just a few glimpses.

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  The view of the lagoon from the bench on which we had lunch.

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  It will be fun, they said. You’ll be a cow and your brother will be a cowboy.

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  These two princesses have their castle on pink skateboards. Well played, dad.

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  My big and little amore. ❤

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  Oh yes, there has to be gelato.

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  The first big truck was accompanied by dancing Queens Priscillas. Fun!

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  Then there was a Cuban truck with more music and dancing.

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  But this one was the winner for me: The Social Media truck!

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  Look at that! The phone has got him good!

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  Message: Facebook is eating your flesh.

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  Selfie: the real face and the pretend one. (My interpretation.)

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  When we saw Americans coming, we split. (Nah, it was not intentional. I saw this in the distance as we were leaving.)

This is better, bestia masked in the peace of our home. He is thinking of raising the price of oil again.