Claudia's apartment was the perfect place for our family (including our 18- and 21-year-old kids)--spacious and comfortable, in an extremely quiet neighborhood that is only a few minute walk to restaurants, shops, the train station, and the Grand Canal, where you can take the public boats anywhere you'd want to go (the 1-day or 2-day passes are a great deal) . It was a nice surprise to have air-conditioning in the apartment and there was a market only two minutes away. Finding our way around on foot was an adventure (don't rely on following the dots on Google maps!)--we loved wandering through the maze of narrow alleys, car-less streets, and picturesque waterways, knowing we would eventually find our way back. A scrumptious dinner at the nearby Trattoria Alla Ferrata, a visit to Murano island where we bought gorgeous handmade glass jewelry, and a long gondola ride at sunset were highlights. We hope to be back soon!