You are sent photos of a beautiful modern apartment "newly refurbished" and when you get there you are conducted to a completely different flat filled with cheap and nasty reproduction furniture, artificial flowers and glass tat.

On top of this there is a lovely view from the balcony of major building works in progress in the street opposite. The 'owner' Andrea Scarpi tells you that the 'other flat' is unavailable but still expects you to pay the same price you were quoted for the smart one. The breakfast is not worth having - all long-life products, nothing at all fresh, and three people share coffee from an espresso maker for one. A complete rip off.

e-mail:bbmestrina@fastwebnet.it
www.bbmestrina.com
photos & video: www.picasaweb.google.it/mestrina/MESTRINA

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I recommend this restaurant if you fancy a Fawlty Towers experience. I went there with my family which included my two young nephews. The place itself is quite posh, however the mature waiter lost the plot.

We tried to order two Margherita pizzas with ham on. This sent the waiter into a rage with him srcatching frantically into his writing pad. He pronouced loudly he had a table of 20 booked which were coming any minute. We all felt intimidated by his behaviour.

After being told another pizza was off the menu we quickly left. Service with a smile it wasn't!

Calle Priuli, 106 Venice. Tel 041.8947958

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Venice house numbers seem to have been designed for the convenience of bureaucrats, rather than for ordinary people trying to find a particular address. Venice is divided into six districts (sestrieres) and in each district they started numbering at one and went on until every house had a number. It's better instead to carry a map and put big crosses on places you want to find again.

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When a very high tide combines with strong winds, there is the risk of flooding. This is fun if you are prepared with wellies - but sometimes the flood is so high you need thigh-high waders or else you must be prepared to stay indoors until the tide lowers. Fortunately the flooding in Venice is tidal and WILL go down within 12 hours.

They do sell disposable wellies in the local markets, which you can put over your normal shoes and which are cheap enough to leave behind when you go home. Some hotels have wellies you can borrow but not usually enough pairs for everyone and it depends on your size. Most Venetians have waders; at times of high water they can be seen going to work in their suits, with wellies over their designer trousers.

When there is going to be an exceptionally high tide, a siren is sounded over the whole city in plenty of time to warn you to get to where you need to be, or to batten down the hatches against the floods. Most shops and hotels have effective flood defences by way of flood-proof half doors that can be stepped over by pedestrians but keep the water out. It is quite an adventure if you are prepared.

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