Venice

When I dream about being somewhere else, the first place that comes to mind is almost always Venice. After five or six visits there, I still want to go back, as often as possible.

I'm a Venetophile, according to Judith Martin (aka Miss Manners), whose most recent book, No Vulgar Hotel, is a wonderful read for anyone who loves the city. Martin, who goes to Venice twice a year, writes about the daily life, history and literary associations of Venice with her customary attention to detail and deceptively light touch. She knows that small shops are disappearing in favor of tourist traps stuffed with "Venetian masks" made in China; that day-trippers fill the walkways from wall to wall; and that high water (aqua alta) happens all too often - Venice remains fascinating.

Not all the small shops have disappeared. So far as I know, this violin maker is still in business, somewhere near the Campo Santa Margarita. I liked the watery effect of the old window glass - Venice, after all, is defined by water.