School trip 2014. The first of the year. Venice is a strange place. Breathtakingly beautiful one moment then a mixtured crumbling derelict detritus that really needs some attention the next.

What is the balance between preserving the authenticity of the past and ACTUALLY preserving the past. 22 million tourists a year swarming over your sinking visage and Venice old girl you could really use a bit of blusher and lippy. At least a comprehensive collagen filler to deal with some colossal wrinkles.

The life blood of the city lies in its watery veins. Industry, transport, shopping all wind their way at a sedate non chalant pace. The aroma of coffee and cigarettes, pizza and pasta are heavy on the air, a foggy haze of grease and expectancy. The once noble houses now sit unloved. Empty windows like vacant eye sockets staring out into the night. Where are the masquerade balls, the obese pasta tossing mumma's? The Mario's, the luigi's? The Mafia?

There is a sad desertion to the winding back alleys. Family homes without a family. A ghostly presence of souls past. Oh Venice where is your present, your people?

And then... The masks are donned! Carnivale begins. A way to remain hidden, your identity lost behind another. A freedom to be whoever and whatever you want. New beginnings and open endings. Who will you choose to be?