Venice is a cunundrum.  It can be beautiful and elegant, gritty and rustic, stinking hot and deliciously cold. But whatever your initial impression, allow this amazing city time to sink in and creep under your skin.  I guarantee you will fall in love with its myriad of alleys, canals, cafes, art galleries and shops, and without a doubt, the people who call it home.

It truly would be a shame for a visitor to simply come, do the compulsory whirlwind visit and tick off the usual sites.

I love the simplicity of sitting in a piazza, somewhere in the university district, just watching people come and go.  Enjoying the challenge of the markets early in the morning and the smells of all the wonderful produce.  Or even just getting lost around the streets on the edges of the city and its lagoon.

Not everyone gets the privilege of time; but if one does then honestly, find yourself a little apartment or casa somewhere and stay for a week.  Cook for yourself and therefore, shop in the markets each day.  Find a great little wine bar or osteria; and certainly a great little pastry shop and make sure you swing by each day.





The islands that make up Venice and its lagoon are full of incredible history and all have something different to offer.

A visit to Venice is something not to be missed and should be on everyone's bucket list.

It was on mine once.....now I have a permanent 'come again' addendum to my bucket list.