Gondola Rush Hour and Paradiso Perduto

Slowly but surely, the crowds are now streaming into Venice. The alleys and main squares are full of groups of students and Asian tourists jostling for space in the gondolas and waving their selfie sticks around.

A final stroll takes me over the beautiful wooden Accademia Bridge with its magnificent view, back to St. Mark’s Square, where in one café a small band is once again playing Besame Mucho and Con Te Partirò. In the past, the bands would take turns playing in front of Café Florian and the one across the street to avoid clashing.

In Cannaregio, I sit down for my Campari Soda with Cicchetto, and immediately an audacious seagull swoops down and snatches my fine scampi sandwich off the plate. I keep a watchful eye on the next one and quickly gulp it down.

To top it off, I’ve reserved a table outside at Paradiso Perduto by the canal, somewhat hesitantly, because the last time I was there, the guy who assigned tables was so rude that after I left some pointed feedback, I swore never to return.

But the atmosphere and the food are just so good that I couldn’t resist again, and the guy is no longer there. As a reward, I order the best cheese I’ve ever eaten for dessert, a blue cheese with pear slices and roasted nuts.

Across from me is an old palazzo with those Venetian windows that nearly bring tears of joy to my eyes.

Venice is a painting at every corner, on every bridge, in every alley that I would love to paint if I could, and it feels good to think that I will definitely come back soon.