On my doorstep..

Last Sunday, whilst escaping  the crazy multitude of tourists visiting Venice for Carnival, I bumped into "the most beautiful bookshop in the world", according to its very modest sign...



This little gem is only a few steps away from my "town house" but due to my "late in the evening/very early in the morning commuting" I never have time to wander around  :-(

As soon as you enter, you're greated by the very friendly owner and his big (and a bit scary) furry guardian....



It looks a bit messy inside, but wouldn't you fancy to help yourself from a full-sized gondola, instead of a boring shelf ?!

There's a labyrinth of interconnected rooms, along to bathtubs filled with books and sleeping cats you will find a doorway leading straight out onto a canal where the water level seems a precarious few centimeters away from spilling into the room (hence its name "Acqua Alta", high water).

You will also be invited to reach a a tiny quiet courtyard which hosts a staircase made entirely from books....

..and to climb up to the top for a lovely view onto the canal..... 

I didn't buy anything, just had a quick look at some intriguing books, prints and postcards but I'm planning to return soon with more time on my hands.

Sometimes it's nice to play tourist in your own town, isn't it?!