[Part of this is lifted directly from the note I left Giovanni. His and Francesca's guest book is FILLED with glowing testimonials; I would suggest staying there the next time you're in Milan, and adding your own compliments to the chorus.]

From our first contact online, Giovanni was more gracious, friendly and accommodating than I could have expected, and moreso once we finally met. From finding out about my interests in advance to interrupting his workday to give me keys and following up in the evening, he went out of his way to make sure my stay was amazing.

The apartment was everything I expected and more -the pictures don't do justice to the coziness and warmth you feel when you walk in. There are enough personal touches to make it truly feel like a home, but I never felt like I was intruding -just warmly welcomed.

Although my trip was brief (four full days) and highly scheduled, Giovanni gave me several suggestions for local food and hidden gems. One of them -the Giotto exhibition at the Palazzo Reale- was a highlight of the trip, and something I would recommend to ANYONE with an interest in art and an hour to spare in Milan.

Giovanni, thank you so much for providing me a wonderful, warm, home away from home in Lombardy. Many friends traveled in from all over the States to attend this wedding and, while it wasn't a contest, they all agreed that I had the best place to stay.

Continui così!