It took me only a few hours in Venice to know that two days there would only whet my appetite to return for a much longer visit (and, hopefully, without jet lag). Rather than exhaust myself further by racing from one “must-see” highlight to the next, I selected a few experiences and sites for this first trip and made mental notes of what to save for another time. I did spend time shopping in the Rialto and in the area around Piazza San Marco. I enjoyed people watching and soaking up the atmosphere as much as perusing all the jewelry, Venetian glass, leather goods and clothing on offer. What a feast for the eyes!! One shop displayed dozens of pairs of gloves in its window, each a different gorgeous shade. The Fortuni shop tempted me to touch all those lovely scarves and handbags in velvets and silks, and again there seemed to be more tints and subtleties of color than a hardware store paint display. When I became overwhelmed with the unending procession of beads, vases, candelabra and glassware, I’d grab a scoop of gelato and watch the world go by. I enjoyed an hour or so in the Accademia and wandered through St. Mark’s Basilica – strolling beautifully detailed mosaic floors under glittering gold-tiled domes and icons. My favorite experience, however, was our last evening in Venice. We got lost for half an hour trying to find a recommended restaurant, but when at last we stumbled on it, we were seated at a table perched alongside a quiet canal surrounded by pots of colorful geraniums. After our leisurely meal and as the sky darkened, we strolled slowly back to St. Mark’s. The sounds of a number of musical groups positioned around the square floated towards us on the warm, calm air; and as we turned back to look up at the cathedral, we were struck by the sight of its domes, softly illuminated against the deepest, most intense blue we had ever seen. We finally drifted to the south side of the piazza where a jazz quartet played music that seemed to best fit the mood of the evening (far better than “The Lonely Goatherd” from The Sound of Music another group performed). It was a weeknight and there was only a small crowd, so we settled at a table near the band and enjoyed a drink, the music and the setting. It was a lovely, peaceful way to end our stay in Venice and a sure inducement to return in the future for more such pleasures. -Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader