Paola is a charming, elegant and passionate Venetian grandma who made our 3-night stay with her a truly memorable one.
Paola served us genuine Italian breakfast in her exquisite living room with antique cutlery and lovely place-setting (the little birder expresso pot holder was actually sewn by her mum). She gave us little surprises every morning - treated us real Italian expresso for the first day, added a touch of fresh made panna/cream for the second, and a cut little chocolate spoon for the final morning. She was so excited when she found the best melon of the season from the local market and generously shared with us (the melon tasted divine with a few drops of lemon juice). The broiche with her home-made strawberry ice-cream was the best we've ever had.
Venezia is just a small place and everywhere is walkable. There're a few supermarkets within 5-min walk. You could get to most places within 20-min walks. It's just a 10-min walk to the San Marco square.
We have no difficulties finding Paola's place following her detailed instruction (just remember to stamp your vaporetto ticket or you will have to pay a hefty fine; and remember to ask them to stop at "Celestia" once you board).
Do travel light as there're lots of bridges in Venice.
The apartment was spacious, comfy and nicely decorated filled with her past. Paola was always willing to share her stories (it was so lucky that I could speak some Italian). She was actually born at the room where we're staying 80+ years ago. The gentlemen in the portrait at the center of the living room was her great grandfather, Tomasso Da Rin (1838-1922), who was a great Veneto painter. You could find some of his works in the apartment.
Paola has been in the BnB business for 20+ years (no wonder she could bring the breakfast to the next level). She has been running it all by herself without even a cleaning lady. I'm sure you can feel her passion even though you can't speak Italian.
Try to keep the place clean and tidy the best you can, given Paola's generosity to share not only her house with you, but also her good memories, her past and her culture.