Spent a fair part of today speaking with and taking photos of the sellers of selfie poles.  Most got to Italy as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh or Sri Lanka and work illegally for organised criminals.

In fact I found most of these guys far more interesting than their customers – those who were so obsessed with taking their own photos.

This trip has defined some personal limits.  You know my feelings about equine roasts.   I was presented the challenge by a Mr Collision to provide for my vast reading public a selfie whilst wearing a mask and with a suitable landmark in the background.  I have discovered that the Cunnington-Smythes – even the Rosewood branch of that family – are bound by a sense of propriety and self respect that makes that challenge a Rialto Bridge too far.

Instead I shall search for some tasteful Murano glass nose plugs as a suitable souvenir to remind me of the ripeness of the canals in the City of Romance

Yours etc

Farley