It might seem strange but I have no first impression of Venezia. I don’t have that clear first sensation that most places offer when you arrive there for the first time. I mean, of course I remember that first hot-as-hell August day, which also happened to be my birthday, I spent there 17 years ago. I remember what I did and who I was there with. I remember my first (and only) gondola ride all the other touristy stuff I did, but… there was no first impression.

When it comes to Venezia and my memories of her, it seems that first trip felt simply like returning home. I didn’t go there expecting to be charmed, surprised and astonished. I didn’t expect her to take my breath away. I didn’t need that. I knew – even before setting my foot on the cobblestones of her calles for the first time – what she was like, although I don’t recall ever seeing pictures of it before going there. I just knew how beautiful and precious she was without knowing how I possess such knowledge.

Now I agree with Brodsky, who said he would not go there in summer even at gunpoint, because Im older and – lets pretend – know better, but the hellish heat or anything else for that matter wont stop me from turning August into follia veneziana. So welcome to the month of Venezia here at Quadri della vita! No other subjects allowed at this time. You’ve been warned…

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