Imagine walking across the temporary bridge to the Church of the Salute on 21 Nov ? An  important event for Venetians in the winter months. Rather like the Redentore in July this is a celebration of the ending of the plague. Venice in winter holds a magical quality. Both quiet and slightly mysterious. I feel you can claim  to know this city if you have walked the calles in the mist

Six days are a long time when a volcano erupts and plans go crazy. My guests were unable to leave Venice and stayed an extra five nights in the apartment. The next ones were unable to arrive.
Nightmare. Now I find I cannot go myself as my flight is cancelled, but hopefully all will be well in the next six days, in  time for the next guests. At least Venice is a rather more desirable place to find oneself than an airport or port. I sincerely hope nothing like this ever happens again, but will do all I can to  give support in an emergency.

Carnival Venice fulfills its fantasy (Availability for Piccola Perla in the middle  of the Carnival 8 to 12 February 2010) . Twelve days in February of Balls , masks and fun.Local Venetians celebrate alongside visitors from all over the world. From glamorously expensive Balls to children's fancy dress competitions, Carnival is like no other.
So the season's come round,Venice as beautiful and sparkling as ever.
I am told that for many people winter is their favourite time in Venice. Scurrying through mists it is so evocative as famous landmarks appear then vanish. Local people call to on another across quiet campo huddled in the latest cashmere and for an older generation, tiny ladies swamped in fur. Cafes steam and sparkle, while heavenly music emanates from churches and scuola.
For those who prefer this quiet Venice, softly romantic  with sunshine reflected from the snowy  Dolomites, winter is the perfect time to visit.
Venice sparkles with opera at La Fenice and numerous choirs singing in San Marco. Fabulous shops from designer clothes to famous Murano glass seem even more exquisite in winter lamplight.
 St Mark's Square softly lit along the collanades with Florian's and Quadrini's cafes inviting one in, just as they have done for the past three hundred years.
Last New Year Piccola Perla was the romantic hideaway for a couple who married on the Grand Canal.
Availability see calendar on www.ourveniceapartment.com