The meeting with Fabio's friend Kuba worked like a dream and we really enjoyed our stay at Casa Marta - the steps up to the balcony-bedroom looked a bit scary on the photo for a couple of oldies but it was actually no problem as they were wide and robust. We liked sleeping in the loft and the whole flat was tastefully and thoughtfully decorated, quiet and with a pretty view onto gardens. Everything we needed was provided, including heating, and the lovely bottle of wine waiting on the coffee table made a wonderful welcome, much appreciated! The narrow street was picturesque, as is the whole of Ortigia, and we felt privileged to be living there for 5 days. We loved the area - it had a very authentic feel with lots of locals out and about, fetching their lunchtime pastries, rice balls and groceries, chatting and just getting on with life - not too touristy at all (it was March when we were there). We had one drive out to a nature reserve in Vendicari (where we saw flamingos in the lagoons) and visited Noto. The Archeological Park in Syracuse was easily reachable by local bus. Otherwise it was lovely just to potter around Ortigia.
When we left we arranged again for Kuba to come for the key, otherwise we didn't see him because we had no problems!
Thank you Fabio and Kuba for making this unforgettable stay possible.