As the train rolled into Venice it was bucketing down rain and St Marks square had been flooded. Summer in Venice. We threw our bags on the vaporetto and thought Venice will not be much fun. We arrived at Silvia's to hot drinks and the offer of gumboots and extra warm clothes. Fiorella, Silvia's mum made us tea and coffee which we had in her beautiful eclectic lougeroom. This is we're every morning she would make my husband and I eggs as preferred, with hot bread, yogurt fruit T/C etc. Everr so helpful with restaurants out of the tourist precinct, places to go and times to beat the tourists. She suggested a fantastic bar with locals that we had the best night in Italy dancing and singing. Our stay in Venice, close to everything but in a local part of town was made by the generosity and kindness of Fiorella and Silvia. Thank you both. Stay with locals and really experience Venice!