La Vigna Del Parroco-2-

Salvatore had great tips for exploring the region and excellent restaurant suggestions, and the grapes growing on our balcony were superb. The apartment was cozy and welcoming, with a balcony and a pool looking out over the whole vineyard. Even his neighbor discreetly put off pruning the garden so our naps by the pool wouldn’t be disturbed. That kind of welcome in Piedmont was fantastic. I really tried to find a fault and couldn’t, unless it’s the big, hungry mosquitoes. But they’re everywhere, I suppose. When everything on earth is already so perfect, how do you even appreciate paradise?

I arranged for my in-laws and my wife’s maid of honor to stay at the property during our wedding week. The rooms were expensive and the air conditioning cost €10 a day, but I accepted that. On arrival, my in-laws reported old stains on the blankets. There wasn’t enough toilet paper, and I had to explain myself just to ask for more. Parking was awkward because the courtyard is shared with someone else. I let these things go. At checkout, the owner wanted to keep my €200 deposit because the maid of honor had stained towels with foundation, even though the rooms hadn’t been pristine. I offered to wash or replace them. He first tried to charge €40, then €30 for the towels, which he said were designer. I got the deposit back, the towels weren’t cleaned, and I kept my word and bought a whole set. I didn’t pay for the old towels, so our hero demanded those back too. I returned them to him. Then the owner left another note in my mailbox: “Good morning, I confirm receipt of the towels... I'm just sorry a guest didn't understand that our house isn't a motel for casual encounters... Signed.” That was when I stopped staying silent. How dare he judge my wife’s family and witness? Does one have to answer to Mr. Salvatore in one’s own life, even in a rented and paid-for room? There were also repeated language misunderstandings with the witness, who was blamed for speaking English and was even asked if he had mental problems. Would you stay at this person’s home? Posterity will decide. “...abandon all hope, ye who enter here...”

A quiet, somewhat secluded spot, modest but equipped with all the comforts. Congratulations!

The bed was awful, the heating came from an electric heater, and hygiene was poor. The furniture was cheap too.