People had given me some negative reviews also of this place saying that it's become very dirty and not worth visiting

Pretty much like people telling me their opinions on movies they have watched - I have stopped listening to them lol. It does not matter where you go in the world - every single place has its positives and negatives... Just look at where I am from - the Western Cape in South Africa. Literally known as one of the most beautiful places in the world!

But, if everyone only listened to the news or what they read online... they would never come visit and get to experience that for themselves. We have a lot of crime, homelessness, litter and all those sorts of things too.

The reality is, you just need to be a bit of a smart traveler I guess. Listen to the guidance and tips of the locals etc.

Every place has something special to offer and I think it is important not to judge a book by its cover.

Venice was another place which my late mom loved to paint as I was just mentioning to @lightcaptured a little earlier about her love for Tuscany too. I would like to visit all the places she held dear to her heart - as well as a few of my own and I will approach each one with an open mind.

It certainly sounds like it was a very special holiday and definitely one which added value to your box of memories :)