For some reason at the beginning of this week, for at least three nights in a row I dreamt about Venice. Why? I just don’t know. I haven’t watched, read, looked at or otherwise done anything remotely involving Venice. Yet, here we are.
I should explain my relationship with Venice, such as it is. Years ago, I think it was when I was in my mid to late teens my maternal Aunt bought me a book called Tregaron’s Daughter by Madeleine Brent. My Aunt, it should be said was, and is, a fabulous book and trinket supplier 
Tregaron’s Daughter is a mystery story set in Cornwall and Venice. I don’t know what it was about it exactly, as the book isn’t about to set the world on fire, (though I still love it anyway) but it instilled in me a deep desire to visit Venice myself when I was older. By the age of 20, I had fulfilled that dream.
I visited museums and galleries, including the Basilica San Marco and the Doge’s Palace, I took boat rides – including one on a gondola – and walked the length and breadth of Venice. Sadly, I didn’t take very many pictures, and I think they are rubbish, so I won’t include them here! The fact is, when I left all those years ago, I didn’t feel that I needed to return.
So why now? No idea, not a clue. I hunted out my photos (eek), found a couple of guidebooks, and most importantly – remembered my Venetian Palazzi book – which is gorgeous indeed. Even while writing this I remembered my Venetian mask that I bought (I was enthralled by the mask and costume shops), but it doesn’t seem to be enough.
I suppose time will tell, but I cannot see myself getting to Venice any time soon, time permitting, never mind anything else! So, I have ordered myself a second hand copy of Tregaron’s Daughter (no idea what I did with the last one) and a DVD of Francesco’s Venice which is supposed to be very good. All I know is that for now, my subconscious mind will have to be content.
Which Grand Duchess Would YOU Be?