First trip after the lockdown has started to be lifted, at stages. Now fortunately staying in second homes within the region is allowed. But Venice feels like such a different city. Sadly beautiful: rethinking at the many times I thought the number of tourists should be regulated and reduced while dribbling people as I crossed into the most popular routes. But would Venice be Venice like this? Canals, pathways and squares are deserted. Italy is still closed to tourists from various countries due to the fear of a “new wave” of coronavirus outbreak. Most of us locals are still masked when walking around; few, foreigners usually, seem to walk around without masks even though it’s still compulsory. Meantime various shops display notices saying they are closed for good, thanks to the fact that state support seem not to have been enough to go through this crisis.

“Venice is alive” says the banner at the fish market, “and asks for help” is added below by hand.