Michele and Lucia's apartment was our first experience with AirBnB...and I am afraid that it will be a difficult one to top!
The apartment itself was spectacular, the kind of place that one instantly feels at home, because it IS a real home! And what a home: incredible design, quality materials, and a feeling of light and space all around you! And the magnificent views of the rooftops of Syracuse and the waters surrounding the "tail" of Ortigia were a delight for the eye! It was an easy place to return to after a few hours out discovering the area, and almost too difficult to leave when it was time to go back out again ;-). Though we only spent two days there, we really felt as if it were home.
And much of this feeling certainly came from the warmth and energy that Michele and Lucia have left there. They were absolutely fabulous. When we arrived, Lucia gave us a grand tour of the apartment and gave us lots of tips for restaurants and gelati in the city. They also took the time to write us after the rental was over, and that is a very special attention that goes beyond the simple fact of renting an apartment.
All in all, this was a perfect stay for us. The beauty and functionality of the apartment, the quiet yet bustling quality of the city, and the kindness, generosity and "humanity" of the owners made for an unforgettable experience. My only regret: to not be able to communicate with them in the beautiful language of Italian. Next time I will do better!