Elena very kindly allowed me to come into the apartment early in the morning, which was much appreciated as I was arriving on the night train from Paris. The apartment, easy to get to by Metro, is situated in an ultra-chic part of Milan, in the midst of high-end designer shops. Of course this means that shopping for daily necessities entails a bit of a walk – it is easier to find a Dolce & Gabbana then a banana – but the area is lovely and very central. Elena takes good care of her renters: she thoughtfully provides items like water, beer, cookies and crackers as well as normal kitchen supplies, soap, shampoo etc. The apartment is small but has lots of character and charm: the view from the bathroom window is framed with ivy, and looks out on the rooftops of Milan. The practical basics are all in place (hot water, wifi, heat) and it is dead quiet at night, which is important to me. Having a lift is wonderful as well. Elena is a generous, simpatico host (and her English is quite good) and I highly recommend her flat!