Last year, this year

I have noticed quite a number of differences in Venice between my two visits. Some are about the city and others are my way of life.

The weather last year was very cold & very wet. I wore at least five layers everytime I went out & was often cold in the apartment. The water came up - aqua alta as well as down. Pantomime week there was flood alerts several mornings but the water didn't come very high. This year until today there was two half days of rain in my first week. There has been many more sunny days and although it has often been cold in the shade there hasn't been the rawness thhere was last year. I have been able to sit outside lots of times for lunch or a coffee.

People. Last January was much quieter than it has been this year. 09 the only people around & certainly on the gondoli were from SE Asia - there are noticably less from that area of the world & more from Eutope & the US - economies must be improving.

Shops & bars - there are more open this year and because the weather has been drier there are more tables, chairs & people outside. In the shops there is already spring stock arriving. Last year it was only just coming in as I left.

Me. I have had a very different time this year. The pantomime obviously made a big impact and took up one week. This stay has been less frenetic, less running around sightseeing and much more relaxed, people orientated visit. Because I knew people on arrival there were calls to me made and arrangements to see each other. I have had several friends to my apartment for meals and have been invited to others homes. Walking around I often see people & we go for a coffee or a glass of prosecco, shopkeepers wave to me as I go past & I don't have to say what I want in bars. I must have gone totally native as I don't notice the men in orange trousers anymore!

When I go the Church or to the Circolo I am accepted as a regular and not a visitor.

My days are easy and I have spent more time relaxing and reading in my apartment and have cooked more and eaten out less. It has been a very different stay. Not better, not worse just different and wonderful.