Venice is the city of disguises

"I love the night. In Venice, a long time ago, when we had our own calendar and stayed aloof from the world, we began the days at night. What was the sun to us when our trade and our secrets and our diplomacy depended on darkness? In the dark you are in disguise and this is the city of disguises.

We didn't build our bridges simply to avoid walking on water. Nothing is so obvious. A bridge is a meeting place. A neutral place. A casual place. Enemies will choose to meet on a bridge and end their quarrel in that void. One will cross to the other side. The other will not return. For lovers, a bridge is a possibility, a metaphor of their chances. "

jeannette winterson "The Passion"