Riccardo and Veronica were really sweet, knowledgeable and communicative hosts. And if this Airbnb was in a safer neighbourhood, I would totally recommend! I can’t begin to explain the fear I felt walking from the train station to the house. There was graffiti everywhere on the walls, lots of abandoned/poorly maintained houses and businesses. The people we passed by seemed very sketchy and my gut kept telling me that I wasn’t safe. I felt like I was the perfect target (a small woman, with a suitcase who is CLEARLY a tourist) to some sort of crime and I felt really concerned that something would happen to me on my walk there. I’m from a large urban city, and I’m used to large groups of different people and the urban element that exists in a downtown core. But, even with that experience, I did not feel safe in this neighbourhood. After checking in, I immediately left and checked into a hotel in a way safer area.
As a tourist, I want to be out late enjoying late dinners and drinks, and exploring the night life without concern. I’m so glad I decided to leave because there’s no way I would’ve felt safe walking on those streets at night.
When I told Riccardo and Veronica that I was leaving, they asked if something had happened and were surprised as they never had a comment like that. They asked me to come back and give a chance, but I ultimately chose not to. To be clear, I was never actually approached by anyone - I just felt really concerned about the area.