I'm a big fan of Airbnb and consider myself a capable traveler, so I'm sorry to say that I had a truly scary, unfortunate experience renting Sharika's apartment. After being let into the apartment by Sharika's mother (who only speaks Italian), the circuit breaker blew out twice in less than 24 hours. When I was unable to turn it back on the second time, Sharika didn't respond to any of my texts, calls, or voicemails. Eventually I had to move to a hotel about two hours after dark, using my phone as a flashlight to collect my belongings. I was later told by Sharika's English-speaking friend that Sharika was busy in meetings (the first day) and in a hospital having a baby (the second day). If that's the case, I understand these were obviously extraordinary, extenuating circumstances for Sharika. Even so, there are a few things I wish I had known before renting.

#1. The power grid is a real problem. It went out immediately both times when I plugged in my iPhone. (Nothing else; I didn't even have all the lights on). Sharika's friend told me to try a secondary circuit breaker in the hallway, but it was unlabeled due to "privacy concerns." (The name on the apartment door is not Sharika's name.)

#2. Sharika doesn't speak any English at all. After about six hours of getting no response from her, I finally asked a woman at an Italian tourism office for help. She called Sharika, who answered immediately and explained that she didn't speak any English (despite all the English info on her Airbnb listing) and would have to communicate through her English-speaking friend, who lives in Rome. She didn't mention anything about hospitals or a baby at the time; she said she was at work. I never would've rented the apartment if I thought I wouldn't be able to communicate with the owner.

#3.) Nobody associated with the apartment lives in Florence. I was told by Sharika's friend that nobody could come to the apartment to help because no one (not Sharika, not a building manager, not Sharika's mother) would be able to get there until the next day. They apparently have no way of addressing any urgent issues with the apartment.

One good note: Airbnb was great through this whole experience. Their concierge service was incredibly helpful and reassuring, and they refunded me for the two nights that I had to stay at the hotel. I can't thank them enough. I hope that other renters have better luck than I did.