Well, as always when I come to Italy it somehow ends up being all about food. Venice is particularly known for its seafood and gelato and I indulged all I could . It was a short visit but certainly didn’t miss any meals lol

This time we found a small Airbnb to stay. Usually we like hotels as it tends to be more comfortable . That’s just us. Realize that many people love Airbnbs Roberto’s flat was actually fine and the location was amazing. 5 minutes from Rialto and 19 from St Marks . The room and bed were tiny but it ended up being a comfy stay and the view was amazing .

I’m always sad when I leave Venice. It’s mystery, beauty and history. And..if you’ve seen “Don’t look Now “ I sometimes get a bit fearful there really is a knife wielding dwarf dressed in red hiding among the beautiful piazzas and alleyways

I know it’s drowning in tourists.

I know that it’s expensive

I know that few Venetians live here as they were forced out by tourist hordes

I get all that and yet it’s still a place I find myself coming back to again and again. I first came to Venice 25+ years ago for work. I still remember flying in and taking a water taxi directly to my hotel. What a way to enter a city . In a private boat crossing the lagoon and seeing the city revealed in front of you.

It’s crazy expensive but still my favorite way to enter the city. Every time I come I’m always intrigued by the small canals that go nowhere and the mysterious alleyways that seem foreboding or exciting. Whenever, I come I always find myself flashing images of “Don’t Look Now” a movie set in Venice that will mesmerize you and scare the hell out of you.

I never have an agenda when I come here other than to walk. Walk down alleyways, and dead end passages, past cosy cafes and hidden churches . Today I walked almost 8 miles but it seemed like 1 as there is so much to see here.

Some places lose their appeal after one or two visits but not Venice and not to me . I’ve been here more than 10 times and hope I make it at least another 10.

So we’re at Newark and ready for our big annual trip ! Italy , Croatia, Montenegro, Greece, Italy again then the UK and home. I’m way behind on all my travels so I’ll be interspersing some recent trips with this one . Okay , get ready , set , go!