The day I saw at least one Venetian in Venice!

Now that I am back in 'sunny' (right!) London it is time to review my initial thoughts on Venice. Was I right or was I wrong?

The Venetian atmosphere - I loved 'foggy' Venice. The old buildings in the mist were like mirages in the desert, like a dream.

The Italian 'way of life' - Not sure about this one. In fact a friend pointed out to me recently how rare it was to meet Venetians in Venice ... and she was right. Although I think I even spotted two Venetians in the mist! I think, but not 100% sure. We actually saw the same Venetian lady at least 3 times in 3 days. She lives in a small alley in San Polo and every time we walked along that narrow passage I happened to look up and she happened to be there, looking down to the tourists walking up and down. 'Buon giorno!' I would say. 'Buon giorno!' she would reply.

Italian food - Not in San Marco! I think I will dedicate a post to the topic ... but overall we were really lucky and enjoyed most of our meals. Shame that someone came with the idea of a 'tourist menu'! More to follow soon ...

La piazza San Marco - Specially beautiful late in the evening, when the sunset red light brights up the facade of the Basilica San Marco. Although I was wrong in thinking everybody had already been to Venice before. Half the Universe was there last week! Not less than three queues crossed the square making it challenging to know where to queue to visit whatever you wanted to see.

The great Venetian architecture - Superb! I am still amazed of how the old facades practically falling to pieces are so incredibly magic in places like Venice. I was once told (in Rome) that Italians pride themselves for the well cared interiors of their houses, while their facades are in serious need of some well deserved attention?

The fireworks over the lagoon on 31 Dec at midnight - My highlight of the trip ... despite having to fight our way out of San Marco in the wee hours of the morning. Another good example of how to accommodate thousands of people in a space designed for just a few tens ...

As for my favourites?

• Romantic Venice in the fog, lazily floating in the lagoon
• The views over the Grand Canal, with the many vaporettos, taxis and gondolas sailing along the old palaces
• NYE in San Marco, despite the crowds
• Empty Venice at night, when you can enjoy the city on your own (and the not so nice buildings hide in the shades while the beautiful ones are flooded in light!)