My decision to come to Sicily was made quickly and I used airbnb to find possible places to stay. I looked at many listings in Ragusa, but Maria's place jumped out from the rest. And I found it to be special - on arrival and during my stay. Arrival in any strange place is stressful for me. As I approached Ragusa I needed the help of local residents to find it (which they generously provided to a lost soul in need of refuge). But I will always remember the miracle of parking on Via San Vito, getting out of the car ... and immediately being greeted by Maria's son Giuseppe (aka Josh - an excellent English-speaker) and escorted to the apartment front door with Maria present and 2 homemade cannollis in the fridge. The apartment was authentic, beautifully restored, central to Ragusa, and with all modern conveniences (of which I needed the washer immediately!). My stay in Ragusa (and all of Sicily) was wonderful, helped greatly by Maria's accommodation and hospitality, her son's willingness to drive me around (seeing Donnafugata, Montalbano's house, Ragusa Ibla, etc. with expert commentary), and the last night homemade dinner with Maria and family. I will never forget the experience and recommend her apartment to individuals/couples with an idea to visit and get to know at little this part of Sicily.