Irene’s apartment turned out to be so much more than originally anticipated. I was a little hesitant because is was so far from San Marcos square. But turned out to be a complete blessing to be able to escape the crowds (summer tourist) to a relaxing haven literally feet off the grand canal. The apartment is so close to the canal, if you’re not watching your step leaving the apartment, there’s a good chance you’ll fall in. You’re tucked away in a small, quiet square with gardens next door, shady trees and quaint out door cafes on either end off the courtyard. Irene’s place is really hard to beat. The square is block off from the canal foot traffic from either end, which initially may seem inconvenient getting to and from the apartment, but it turns out to be a blessing in disguise. There’s really only three ways to enter the square. By boat, foot path at the far end of the square, or fall from the sky. Keeping the square low key and a wonderful escape from the constant activity off the canal. The apartment sits fairly high above the square and canal with lots of big casement windows that capture the lifesaving cool breezes off of the canal. And a day getting lost hiking throughout the canals, bridges and gelato shops, you’ll learn to look forward to it at the end of a very active day.