Gio graciously met us when we arrived and showed us the ropes. He lives in a very interesting apartment (an artment?) with much personality. You can see his affinity for both history and art in the furnishings, environment, and designs he has surrounded himself with or created. (He even did the grand mural in the building entrance!) I loved the idea that this classic old building was a former convent for the next-door Carmelite church, as I understood it.
We were perhaps too busy museum-ing and did not sit to really have a chat with Gio but he was very responsive to messages when coordinating things, and very chill, loose, and friendly in our interactions.
It was rather warm while we were there but it's quite nice if you keep the window open! But then you will have a few mosquitos at night. Tip: Turn the fan on, the mozzies will leave you alone if there's an airstream. Also, my SO's allergies were acting up the whole trip so he minded the smoking a wee bit but it wasn't much and that's on us for not paying close attention to details.
Gio did have friends in one night while we were there, and it sounded like they were enjoying excellent, stimulating discussion, but I noticed how quickly they picked up and moved out as we completed our showers and it was getting late. Maybe the timing was coincidence but it seemed intentional, that they were being thoughtful -- I think they went to continue the conversation elsewhere.
Good Gio, you seem like a lovely person, thank you so much for letting us share your unique space!! Scratch Bazza under the chin for us! :)