NYC: We don't mind - You Pay!

Astonished!! I am really astonished today! O___O

It means: I probably made only mistakes in my life! 

I have spent last 10 years taking care of all my clients as they were all sons and daughters of mine! Owners on one side, Tenants on the other side… but I have to admit that a special care has been given to Tenants.. without any doubts!

Are you arriving late? No worries! 24/7 checkin for free. 

It means: midnight, 1 or 2 am…. 9 pm without dinner.. no problems…  yes you can. Yes i will reserve the table for you!  yes I will buy some food for you. … Are you getting lost? No worries. I will wait for you! One hour? No problem! Two hour? Did you take the worng exit and you're now in Pistoia? No worries. I am here waiting for you! …

Ohh my!!! will they be hot? Cold? Water with or without gas? Will be thye thirsty? Will be they hungry? Maybe angry? Do they like white or black? Pillows soft or hard? ….

- GoodMorning Wendy! Have you left tenish of trash bags in the kitchen? No worries!! Never mind! I will take care of them!!

- Hello Sue! Oh your children have colored the sofa with their oil- colors? What’s the problem? I will go to Ikea ot buy a new one! Don t worry be happy!!!!! Enjoy your stay!

I have ruined my family and friends summer weeks with their paranoic matters…

- Wifi is slower than at home? Ok let’s talk to Tronchetti Provera

- Air Conditioning does not cool as at home? NO problem, I 'll talk to AD at DeLonghi

- They don’t like our garbage collection system.. They say it is crazy …. Yes yes they're right!! Let’s write to the major.

- My knee cannot walk up so many steps! Ok let’s go to Hospital all together to replace a new knee…

I run run run.. my loved colleagues run  with me.. … all our time we run for them.. and their crazy mind… but at the end we are happy! We have chosen it! We love our job and how we do it! 

But I could not belive what I have read today! … the first time I try to rent an apartemnt in NYC I read: … Uao!! I don t find the words… Just to let you understand:

- After 8pm you need a late (and fast)  check- fee usd 75. If you need a good late check in with our manager plus 75 euros for a total of 150 usd.

- Have you lost the keys?  Guests will be charged $50 for every set of keys lost.

- If you smoke in the apartment? 1000 usd fee – ok you are absolutely right. But in my contract you read: Please don' t smoke in the apartment, Thank you!

- If you leave a card trash in the apartment - 250 usd fee – ok You are right . But I write:  Please don’ t leave trash bags in the kicthen upon departure, Thank you!

- If we have to repair the coffee maker and you haven’t told us anthing 1000 usd fee… even though it’s not your fault. We don t mind - You Pay. In my contracts : Please, don t forget to notify any incurred damages, Thank you!

- We observe quiet hours from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am. We do not allow parties or any noise disturbances inside the building. Violation of this policy may result in a $500 fine and possible eviction. 
Me: Please respect your neighbors. Thank you!

… I was wondering: do they know the meaning of words like Please? Thank you???

have they heard about Kindness? Good manners? Education?

Oh my!!! Have you ever read a rental agreement regarding an apartemnt in Manhattan?

Yes probably you have…. That may be the reason all you want to stay with us! J

Tourist for a Day: Siena.

Last Saturday 28 dec,  I was free from arrivals and business matters so I decided to take a day off! … A whole day only for me and my boyfriend. We decide to be "Tourists for a Day": we will go to Siena!!  … just like all my guests do… just to understand if it is really worth it! 

Last time I visited Siena, I was very young. I went there on a sunday - trip with my parents and sister.. 25 years ago? Maybe 30? I know! It’s unbelievable … but as always happens…. you choose to massacre yourself with a 24 hours flight … and you leave the beauty of your country to the others… we are really stupid.

Anyway!! Yes. Siena is beautiful as described in all the books, guides, websites …blogs and so on. It is worth it. And if you come to Tuscany you cannot miss a day-trip there.

It is very similar as Lucca and at the same time very different….It is slightly smaller than Lucca.  Lucca is completely flat. Siena is "up and down". I am sure my guests will love to know it. It is much more crowded than Lucca. On the other side it is a jewel… and when you start walking throughout the daedal of medieval streets … you forget everything, you forget similarities and differences, you forget where you have parked the car, and you forget how to come back to the train station… (now I can understand why so many guests get lost so often!!) When the cathedral  appears to your eyes  at the end of the narrow and shadowed road.. it is vibrant…. it is really exiting. It’s beautiful. Nothing more than beautiful. 

After a first quick glance to the cathedral, we went  straight to Piazza del Campo.. almost desert in this end of the year.. ( a very good reason to come to Tuscany off season is that the number of people you share your emotion really decreases. In my personal opinion this increases the value of your experience) 

..  We walked all the Palio track… admired the majestic buildings overlooking the square .. until I found myself to take pictures to pigeons on the Fonte Battesimale more than to the monument itself. We all are always surrounded by pigeons. Tuscany must be the favorite place of all the pigeons on the world… … while taking pictures to pigeons.. I felt..  from my shoulders something was calling me: Sure! La Torre del Mangia was calling me. With my passion of climbing everything is possible to climb.. could I miss it?  So we decided to walk up to the top of the tower. Almost 90 meters high.. I don t know how many steps… I haven t counted them..  but many!! We were so lucky to find a sunny and clear day.. without any wind.. despite it is the end of december the weather was really pleasant… it helped to enjoy the breathtaking view on the town and the surrounding countryside. Unforgettable. 


We stayed on the top for 20 minutes… ( have a look at the couple! They have kissed for 20 minutes. I have arrived and they have already kissed. I was going away and they are still kissing. Twenty minutes is a very long time, isn't it?) 

We took our way back to the Square… Some Shots in the Square… a quick piece of pizza.. and go!!! Straight to the Museum of the Cathedral… Could I miss the just restored marble mosaic floors and the Libreria Piccolomini? I could not!  Amazing. The Church is incredibly decorated, pretty impressive. You realize that the 2 euros paid for the visit become acceptable. I mean:  it's not good you have to pay for visiting a Church. I have never liked it and I have always though that art and history must be open to everybody and free.. but when you get into such a place you immediately understand that the strength and the work to preserve everything from the time and the ruin must be rewarded. The restoration of the original pavement is the result of an enormous work… The preservation and the maintenance of the decorated walls in the Piccolomini Libreria is another enormous art… this room is a huge treasure..  We were really astonished.. If I can use an italian common say: A Bocca Aperta… … without any mentions to all the other riches in the church… from the marble pulpit to the the cupola with its golden stars, the altar itself…  The visit to the Cathedral took more or less an hour, maybe slightly more… and it was becoming late… but it has not finished yet….

We have been miraculated. Just out the Cathedral we were admiring the simmetry, the colours and the sunset light on the culumns of the facade… and our eyes bumped into … never the less than Steve McCurry exhibition  which I knew it was ended at the beginning of november. I have accepted it: I’ve lost it!! I could not imagine such a gift from this Christmas!!  It is still open til january the 6th. It was my day. Memorable.

Season Greetings from LUCCA!

I wish you all a   M e r r y   C h r i s t m a s  .. and a very Happy, Healthy, Peaceful… New Year.
All my best to all of you!

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Peace

Joy 

Health!!!

.. maybe some Luck???

Children always Welcome!

Walking Tour of Lucca for KIDS

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of entertainment for kids in Lucca, so I’ve thought of a tour just for them!

We will discover together the city through the exciting legends and stories of Lucca, discovering the fascinating animal and mythological figures that ornate the churches, visiting the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ of Lucca and finishing off by tasting some of the best chocolate in the city, or during the hot season, a great local gelato! This tour will give your kids the possibility to learn something on the culture and history of the city, but in a fun and unusual way, while also giving you a chance to enjoy a couple of hours to yourself! 

Not Only: 

What do you think about a "cooking class" for kids? 

This is another fun entertainment for your kids! 

We will get together at one of your apartments (the most appropriate) and make some simple but fun traditional food, like a Ricotta and chocolate cake, biscotti, home-made focaccia or fresh pasta/gnocchi (we will decide together beforehand). 

Your children will enjoy the art of cooking fresh, genuine dishes, while making new friends and getting busy in the kitchen. To finally enjoy the result of their ‘hard work’!

A nice warm review

It is always a pleasure receiving good reviews... Bob and aw are two my old friend.. they have already stayed in Lucca three times... that's what they write after their third visit.

As always, our two weeks ini Lucca were wonderful, and a major part of the reason is the lovely apartments in which we have stayed. 

We stayed at Calandrino for two weeks in September, 2012. It was our second stay at this location, and our third visit to Lucca. The apartment itself is fantastic, a perfect home away from home. We love being inside the walls. And Calandrino is the perfect location. Each morning we crossed the street to the tiny bakery, that always had wonderful fresh breads, pizza etc. A block away is a small grocery store that could easily fulfill all our needs. For bigger shopping trips we took a short walk to the supermercato outside the walls, again, an easy and fun excursion. Evenings were spent on our terrace, window shopping on nearby Via Fillungo, or listing to opera at the Church of San Giovanni, again an easy walk. Everything is so handy. And what a city for walking in. We enjoyed different restaurants each afternoon, and walked off the calories along the wall, people watching every day. Lucca is our favorite city in Italy, small but big enough to provide history, culture, and good food and wine. 

And staying at one of Debora's apartments means a worry free vacation. Everything is exactly as described, fully furnished and exceptionally clean. And Debora is the perfect host, readily available to assist with any questions or concerns. Grazie Debora!

We are looking forward to our 2013 visit. 

Dow and Bob 

THANK YOU!! 

Coming back to Lucca

It was 2 years ago when I first came to Lucca.

A short visit to Tuscany was coming to an end with an overnight stop there. My friend and I were both delighted and disappointed as we walked around Lucca. The disappointment was the fact that we had so little time in a place that clearly deserved much more!

The next morning, however, news broke about the volcanic ash cloud covering Europe, and we realised that we were stranded in Lucca. With an extra six days to explore the city, our first impressions were confirmed - Lucca is a beautiful, interesting, magical place.

I knew I would return.

This Easter, my sister, niece, nephew and I rented the Tornese Apartment, in Le Scuderie della Cavallerizza. The booking process was smooth and straightforward, and with Debora’s care and efficiency, we were confident we’d made the right choice.

The accommodation is extremely comfortable, a renovation of very high quality with everything we needed to ensure a relaxing holiday. Breakfast on the terrace overlooking the walls was a real treat, and my niece and nephew loved having the bikes to ride around Lucca. From a convenient location in Piazza Santa Maria, we could set out each day either up onto the walls or through the streets to uncover more of Lucca's treasures and charms.

This time, I was pleased to discover the house where Puccini was born is now open to the public. How exciting it was to see his piano, read his letters and look up into the attic that inspired La Boheme.

Some things haven't changed like the nightly concerts in San Giovanni church to keep alive the music of Puccini and other operatic composers. This is one of the pleasures of Lucca, as is humming the tunes along Fillungo on the way back.

The walls of Lucca are amazing both in their original construction and in the part they play in modern Lucchese life. It is a joy to take part in the passegiata around the walls, joining the joggers, dog-walkers, cyclists and other visitors.

A stroll through the little streets and alleyways is rewarded time and again with exquisite architecture and breathtaking beauty. We came upon many unforgettable churches, palaces, cafes and views as we sought to leave no part of Lucca undiscovered.

Some specific things we enjoyed were as follows. The Guinigi Tower is worth the climb to get your bearings and see Lucca from another angle. The trees at the top are an added fascination.

The Cathedral Museum is a brilliant resource, giving a taste of Lucca's rich history.

The Botanical Gardens and the Pfanner Palace and Gardens are both delightfully peaceful spaces, carefully maintained as is Lucca generally.

One of the things Debora arranged was a guided tour of Lucca with her colleague, Maria. Maria’s detailed knowledge of Lucca and her expertise in the history of art combined to provide many insights into the city and its cultural heritage. This was an enjoyable morning during which I learned so much.

From Lucca it is easy to make day trips to other cities. We visited Florence and Pisa. The train service is reliable and inexpensive, and Lucca train station is a short walk outside the walls.

I'm sure there is even more to learn and enjoy about Lucca, and I am determined to come back and find out.

　

Coming Soon....

Oh I am so excited!! I am so pleased to anticipate you this great property which will be ready for your stay in about a couple of months. Let’s see .. from May yes! you could rent this great place for your holiday. This is really the latest in comfort! This is really something difference.

Ok I am telling you everything… from the beginning.

 This detached villa is dates back to the early seventies… about 40 years ago …

At the end of 2009 the owner, a friend of mine called me for an advice: “does it make any senses restoring the villa to rent it to your clients? do you think they would like it? How should I do it ? ” He wanted to understand which kind of restoration works he needed to do. 

My answer, in these cases, is always the same: do it as it was for you! … As you should rent or even buy live it with your family! The most comfortable and nice you do it the best answer you have from the vacation villas rental people.

Well, after our first meeting things have really grown up!

I knew he is going on.. he continuously kept me updated but I could not imagine which level of quality he gets ! I went there two days ago for a visit…. and I was impressed. Amazed.

First of all some words on the Location. It joins one of the most sunny location of the hill of Piano di Mommio just above the beaches of Viareggio in Versilia. A few steps from the village itself of Piano di Mommio where you can walk  to the groceries,  supermarket and pizzerias.

The beaches are about 4 km away. It means you can drive there in less than 10 minutes.  

Lucca is about 20 km – 30 minutes driving. Camaiore a nice small town to visit is less than 10 minutes driving away as well as the great town of PietraSanta.

After that now I try to explain with this my bad English what you will find once here at villa.

A huge terrace with wonderful panorama of the valley leading to the beaches.

An unusual - personally designed - pool with a Jacuzzi area

A spacious and modern living room and a “avant-garde” fire place and a fully equipped kitchen

Four bedrooms and two bathrooms and up here..

From all the windows what you can admire the typical Tuscan landscape made of olive oil trees countryside and an unforgettable quietness. Every window is a painting…. nothing less than a real painting.

Ok.. I know.. until here actually nothing new!!

But this great owner went beyond and really though your comfort and have provided the villa with A sauna a small A small space provided with Jim items and a Turkish bath!!! And of course Air conditioning in every rooms and wifi will be not missing. Have you understood??  This is a private S.P.A. The latest in comfort in a so traditional landscape!! Never seen something like that in our countryside.

Not only – Another important news is that the owner belongs one of the most antique and famous Bagno in Viareggio and he is very pleased to offer a whole day at his Bagno where you could join our typical local way of beaching…

And now enjoy some pictures I took straight away! Use your creative fantasy to understand how it will be once ready.