Gondola-Ora di punta e Paradiso Perduto

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

A final stroll takes me over the beautiful wooden Accademia Bridge with its magnificent view, once again to St. Mark’s Square, where in one café a small band is playing Besame mucho and Con te partiro. In the past, the bands in front of Café Florian and the one opposite used to alternate playing to avoid clashing.

In Cannaregio, I settle down with my Campari Soda and Cicchetto, and immediately a bold seagull swoops down and snatches my fine scampi sandwich from the plate. I keep a close watch on the next one and quickly devour it.

As a grand finale, I reserved a table outside at the Canale in Paradiso Perduto, a bit hesitantly because the last time I was there, the guy who distributed the tables was so rude that after providing some pointed feedback, I swore never to return again.

But the atmosphere and the food are just too good, and that 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 the way stands another old Palazzo with those Venetian windows that always nearly bring a tear to my eye from joy.

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 here soon.