And off in the far distance, the gold on the wings of the angel atop the bell tower of San Marco flashed in the sun, bathing the entire city in its glistening benediction.

So much of contemporary crime fiction is painful to read and obsessed with violence, particularly against women, and I can't read that.

Venetians feel affection and loyalty to their city, rather than to the Italian state.

I don't go to the movies because I don't like films.

The Germans and Austrians are very polite, the Swiss are very reserved and the Spanish usually kiss me. The Brits write me letters.

favors are always for ourselves. Especially when we ask for things for other people.

And off in the far distance, the gold on the wings of the angel atop the bell tower of San Marco flashed in the sun, bathing the entire city in its glistening benediction.