At the identical time the Super Bowl was played to millions in the US, I, literally, had the city of Venice to myself. At 3 in the morning, the wet weather calmed, leaving the canals glass-like and boats motionless - a rarity. It unnerved me to walk the silent, narrow passages alone with no real compass, but I wouldn't have traded it for anything. As millions roared back home, I reflected calmly on my good fortune to be here with solace from friends and family. Quietly, I smile and love it here.