Colors of Venice: A Photo Book (A Great Escape Book)

Traveling can be one of life's greatest pleasures. Each of us has places we've dreamed of going. For me, one of those places was always Italy, and I have set two of my novels there.

The photos you'll see here are from my fifth trip to Venice. On this visit, I decided to make a record of the things I found beautiful there. It wasn't a difficult task. Venice is a place where nearly every glance is rewarded with something of beauty. It's there in the buildings, the walls, doors, windows and floors. Venice feels like a living, breathing work of art.

Walking the streets, I was aware of the city's fragility in a way I wasn't during my previous visits. It is said that Venice is sinking, and while I've read that much is being done to address this danger to one of Italy's most incredible experiences, it's a worrisome thought that one day the city might disappear altogether.

Exploring the narrow streets and alleyways, you can almost feel how much history has taken place between those walls. I found myself saying a little prayer for the city's protection and the way of life built on its requirements.

One of the greatest pleasures of traveling is having the opportunity to see how life can be carried out so differently from our own everyday existence, but at the same time, share so many common elements. The people I met in Venice were warm and welcoming, funny and serious, hardworking and appreciative, not that different from those in the small Virginia town where I grew up.

If you've been to Venice, I hope that what you see here will retouch your memories with the vibrant colors of this amazing place. And if you haven't been, I hope these glimpses of one of the world's most beautiful cities will stir in you a desire to go and see it for yourself. - Inglath Cooper