Brunello was super responsive and communicative (I never actually met him, although he offered--but I was too busy enjoying the fabulousness that is Rio). The apartment is super convenient--a few blocks from the beach and all the restaurants and shops you could want, as well as a block from the Metro. A restaurant called Zaza is right up the block--super cute, good food, cool vibe (definitely expensive, but a fun splurge). There's a little snack place a block away that sells everything you could want to munch on and lots of delicious juices (I sampled a zillion things here and they were decent except their pao de queijo was terrible. But great guayaba juice, decent pasteles for the price--a good place to find some basic sustenance). The shower in Brunellos apartment is FANTASTIC. Really really hot water and good water pressure (a rare combo in Brazil). Even though the apartment was on the ground floor, it felt very safe. A surprisingly quiet street for being in the middle of the Ipanema action. It was such a treat to be there for the Olympics. Thanks Brunello!