Giovanna's personal welcome and stunning house makes Venice a wonderful place to visit! We have stayed in beautiful places all over Italy, but Giovanna's Maddalena is the most beautiful, in an area that is very beautiful, but not in the middle of the San Marco madness. It's an oasis in the city that must be seen and lived to be truly appreciated. She greeted us on a very hot day with two kinds of water, a bottle of prosecco, and a bowl of fruit, as well as a homemade baked treat. (Who would be baking in the warm weather that is August in Venice?) Giovanna also left a book with excellent suggestions of things to do and places to eat that was really wonderful. On top of all of this, her house is withing walking distance of the train station, but tucked away in a nook on a very private canal. Total bliss! I hope her house is available next time I visit Venice. Grazie mille!!!