Paolo's place is amazing and the location is a lot of fun to get into the local flavour outside of Venezia. There's an outdoor concert is Mestre until the end of September in the Piazza - do go an enjoy some local talent - it just began the night I arrived and felt so lucky to hear the beautiful songs.

Not very many people speak much English in Mestre but you will find a few.

About the bus - it is very easy to take the bus TO Venice but found it confusing to return - just get on the number 2 and tell the bus driver you need to get off at the Mestre Centre or Rocco station - he told me when to get off and I was so relieved. The drop off is not at the same location of pick-up so you may not easily recognize yourself after a day of getting completely lost in Venice. In Venice - don't panic - just go with it. You may not be going where you want to go but explore is my best recommendation. Also, if you are looking for a taxi - you can find them right outside the shopping centre. I had a difficult time this morning but was saved with writing down google translate message and having helpful locals point me in the right directions.