Call of the Courtesan

Venice does not want me to leave. She has said so in a thousand whispers and shouts. The thrum of the vaporetto engine has demanded 'No, No' while the waves splashing against the side of the canal say more quietly 'please stay, please stay'. The warm Spring air lured me into alleyways and bright open piazzas saying 'look at me, am I not too beautiful to leave behind?' and the answer is of course, Yes, but I still must go.

Venice is often pastel coloured but today she was gleaming white, sapphire blue and aqua green. St Mark's Square was dazzling in its whiteness, the light glinting off the colonnade that I had to shield my eyes even with wearing sunglasses. No brighter white than at the Monaco Hotel waterfront restaurant and it's impeccably dressed waiters in fine white jackets and ties. Busy with tourists, the aqua waterways was choked with boat traffic and creating, to my amazement, a gondola traffic jam in front of my eyes!

There is a little bookshop here famous for its beauty and unique way of showcasing its stock -in boats and baths, its an ode to its location and on occasion no doubt a necessary precaution. Upon entering I was greeted by a friendly puss cat, keeping me company as I wandered the floor.

bookshop venice

cat

book boat

book boat2

The sounds of Venice are familiar to me now...I can distinguish a vaporetto from other canal craft. The smells too - the damp of the Calle Salomon lane, the sulphur of lesser used canal ways, the sweetness of chocolate and gelato from open store doorways and the enticing smell of fresh baked goods and coffee at the Pasticceria. I know which way the lock turns in my door now and I do not struggle managing bags upon my return. The washing machine is like a wonder from American Annual 1950 but it works! I know where to go for a delicious spritz and what turn to take to avoid the crowds at the Rialto.

As the sun continues to increase in warmth and Spring, I would go to Torcello and explore the island, to the Lido and stroll the beach. I would venture into the Casino and try my luck! In April the Palazzo Fortuny re opens and I would wander its corridors amazed at the fabrics and costumes of Venetian courtesans. Then, being brave, I would catch the train to Verona and espy Juliet's balcony and leave my own note tucked into the crack of the wall along with the thousands of others who do so. All these things I would do if I could turn to Venice and say 'Yes, I'll stay! You've convinced me, I cannot leave you yet!'

This place has indeed become my second home, la seconda casa. There are other adventures to be had but I know this, that what I have gained and learnt from my time here will stay with me and that one day, I will return home, here.