I’ve been fascinated by Venice since my student days and visit every two years for the Biennale. Back then, I could afford iconic hotels like the Gritti and Danieli. As room prices surged, a prolonged stay in La Serenissima became too costly, so I switched to renting private apartments instead—a change for the better.
I now stay locally in the Castello neighborhood, near Arsenale and Giardini. While the streets are narrow, the apartments are surprisingly spacious and often come with a balcony or garden. Sitting in one of those gardens, I drew my first sketch of Venice’s charming alleyways, clotheslines, drainpipes, and colorful walls. This one is made during the 2026 Biennale.
