Eleanora's apartment is, of course, in the perfect location in Firenze, with the added bonus of being very quiet as it overlooks the garden in the "back" of the building so that you are not awakened by the magical sounds of Via dei Servi and the Duomo. But what magical sounds they are, so when you open the windows you are greeted hourly by a sound I can only describe as something spiritual, an uplifting, healing sound that is the bell tower of the great Dome just steps outside your window. It's very hard to describe returning after years away to that thousand-years-old sound of history, music, art and creation itself that is just the essence of beauty. when you walk out Eleanora's door you are greeted by the sights and smells and sounds of a community in love with its own history, and you are struck with what care it takes to maintain such beauty. That is what Eleanora does with her home and with her guests -- she listens, converses with us, gets to know us and makes us feel at home and welcome, because one feels it is important to her that her guests get the most out of the experience of their time in Firenze. She certainly makes that happen, in a generous, efficient open-hearted manner that made us feel very much at home.
We were greeted with a bottle of wine, a chance to settle in and then the next day a tour and explanation of the property. There was such thought to detail for our understanding of the space, and also the fact that we had traveled a great distance.
I could write so much, but "thank you" is the most important thing we can express to you, Eleanora. Also, we hope no one has taken July of 2023 because it's the only month we can come to Firenze and we would LOVE to return to your beautiful home again next year. We look forward to keeping in touch this year.
All our love!
Kirsten and Jane