The apartment is located within a typical Milanese ‘palazzo’ – with a lift – and is ultra modern and very clean.
Unfortunately, I have to report that the check-in was less than smooth: it was requested that I let the co-host know when I am 20 minutes away. Understandable. Now, when you’re on foot, hauling luggage in a ‘new’ city, trying to coordinate maps, look at street signs etc., it really isn’t possible to notify someone when you’re “20 minutes away,” because you simply don’t know. This was the first failing on the part of the co-host.
I informed the co-host when I arrived at Milano Centrale, the train station. I knew that the apartment was about one kilometre from the train station, so I informed the co-host once I had arrived there, as HE would have a better idea than me how far / how many minutes away I would be. I found it difficult to get my bearings and find the street; I got fed up at one point and made my way back to the train station and decided to hop in a taxi. When I arrived at the palazzo, the co-host had left.
He showed up after about 50 minutes, I think. Having been up since 04:30 that morning, I was beyond exhausted by late afternoon; and then to be admonished as if I were naughty, silly child for “not using chat” to inform him of my location, was, frankly, pretty rude. The guy showed a distinct lack of empathy and understanding for travellers.
I just wonder if he would have spoken to a man in the same condescending, patronising tone of voice and attitude; even as he explained things about the apartment, he continued with this patronising attitude.
To Francesco’s credit, he met me the next morning as I was leaving at 10:00 and apologised for keeping me waiting the previous afternoon, which was a consolation. At that stage, I had to get to the airport, so didn’t have time to stop and give him feedback about the less-than-gracious co-host.
Despite the unhospitable check-in, I would stay at the apartment again, provided that next time there is a more considerate, thoughtful, empathetic and less sexist co-host.