Before our flight,our host sent my wife and i directions to get us from the train station to the vaporetto to the correct dock near Piazza San Marco, where we were met by Martino, a man of many talents, who immediately put us at ease and began telling us about the area as he led us through the mouse maze of Venician streets to the apartment.

Eleonora's "typical house" was anything but typical. It is located on a quite canal in an authentic, richly visual neighborhood. A comfortable adaption of an attic space it felt spacious, new and was well equipped. I'm 5'-10" and my wife is just a bit less and for the most part we fit perfectly (but watch out for a beam over the loo).

The terrace has a wonderful view and if the weather, or mood is right you need to check it out. We warmed up our breakfast in the oven and made coffee on the range. Used the WiFi to surf the net to help in planning our day and to figure out what we hadn't yet figured out about the area.

The location is wonderful on a quiet canal just a few minutes walk to San Zaccaria Station and Piazza San Marco. It is also just as easy to take off west through the streets of Venice to the Ponte di Rialto. There are grocers, pharmacies, shops and restauarnts nearby and on every street you travel.

Our host was available, helpful and generous; introducing us to Baicoli Colussi and a wonderful coffee. She responded to our inquiries about this and that of Venice and helped us with some of the necessities of life. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.