I love Venice. The first time was with my family. The 5 of us went on a gondola ride so shared the cost. The gondolier didn’t talk but was on his phone the whole time! Rude! The second time I took my daughter who had missed the family trip because she had flown home from Rome and we explored the streets on our own. Read that as get lost several times. There are inexpensive places to eat off the tourist track. The most expensive day for me both times was my day at Murano. I spent more that day tHa the rest of the 4 month trip round Europe! I love Murano glass! I’ve written about my first trip to Venice. I think it’s called Venice or Venezia. Sounds like you had a wonderful day. I think you are a reverse travel snob like me. What a bargain!