"And he is still in punishment. In the hall of the Maggior Consiglio his portrait is hidden under a black cloth."
"Because it was a shame for Venice. But out of 120 Doges a Faliero is not a very high percentage, you have to admit."
"Not very high," Papa said taking a sip of Bloody Mary. "You're right, we need a Doge in Venice."
"If I were Doge, I would restore the Elders of the Waters. That already in the sixteenth century they knew everything about streams, lagoons, tides and reforestation - my father also dealt with these problems, I remember the piles of reports and photos in his studio, but who listened to him? - Via the taxes to Venice with the obligation to use that money for their own house, you don't know how many problems between rotting stilts, foundations rattled by the waves of motorboats, high water..."
"Daughter. What you say is right. But even a Doge needs funding and Venice is no longer the 'queen of the seas...'"
"Don't worry," I interrupted him in turn. "In place of taxes, Venetians receive an entrance ticket for tourists, a price proportionate to the days spent in the city. Since, as they say, Venice is a living museum, it is right to collaborate in its conservation."
"Right. I'm promised to pay a double ticket." I look around: "Because this is also my city. For always..."
"Forever with the 'i,' in Spanish. Without the 'i,' in Italian."
"You are right, my colonel. Every now and then I confuse the two languages. Perhaps because I love them in equal measure" Papa smiled. "Or should I rather say: are you right my Doge? Or, better yet: my Dogaressa? If I were a Venetian with right to vote, I would have no doubts about you, Adriana. "
"Thank you, Papa."
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