by Ginevra, age 9 from Venice, Italy, asks Santa where to find him in person, Venice’s canal-built islands, and its history as a trading power.
Dear Santa, my name is Ginevra, and I am nine years old. I live in Venice, Italy, where my nonna says our whole city has no roads for cars at all, only canals and little bridges everywhere.
Dear Ginevra, a city with no roads for cars sounds like the most charming challenge on my entire route, your nonna picked a truly magical hometown.
Santa, I have three questions.
Where can I find Santa near me? My little cousin wants to visit you in person this year instead of just writing a letter.
Many towns and shopping areas host a Santa figure for visits during the season, Ginevra, ask a grown-up to check for one nearby. A visit in person is a lovely way to share your wishes face to face.
My nonna says Venice is actually built on more than one hundred small islands, all connected by bridges. Is that true?
It is true, Ginevra, Venice sits across one hundred and eighteen small islands, linked together by canals and hundreds of bridges. I always trade the sleigh’s runners for something a little more careful flying over all that water.
My nonna says Venice used to be one of the most powerful trading cities in the whole world a very long time ago. Is that true?
It is true, Ginevra, Venice was once a major center of trade and power, ships sailing from your harbor to connect distant parts of the world. That kind of historic ambition and cleverness still shapes your beautiful city today.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Ginevra Moretti
Venice, Italy
P.S. Do you ever use a gondola instead of the sleigh in Venice?
Only briefly, Ginevra, though the reindeer find the whole idea rather undignified.
