More on Giuliano...

So, when Mom saw Giuliano this afternoon carrying up 2 carry-on sized bags up to the room she said "ah, look how small these bags are, these must be the perfect guests!" and Giuliano gave her a look that said "Huh, I tell you later what means perfect guests" It was an older, American couple who checked in and immediately Giuliano left to pick up another couple that arrived shortly after, before giving them the full briefing.

Just as he was leaving he said "This is my last year, next year I no rent no more, so don't recommend me nobody".

When he left we said to the newbies "just listen, nod, keep your head down and follow the rules and you'll be fine".

Later on that evening as we sat on the terrace they came over and sat with us and wanted to hear more about Giuliano...so we relayed the stories I've already told. We were talking about how beautiful it is and how well he's done in building and restoring it and Helene said "It's really too bad he's not renting anymore...I have all sorts of people I thought I would recommend this place to". We had, by this point, really bonded with them and I didn't think that in giving my interpretation of his comment I would offend them, and I didn't - I said "I'm not sure that this IS his last year, because he told us that next year the price would be the same. He's commented a couple times on carrying bags up - and he said to me "you're a strong girl". He might not mind ME recommending people...you're a little older than I am (they're like 65-70), I think he doesn't want you recommending YOUR friends". They laughed and laughed...Larry said "oh, I should write in the guest book then 'We are honored to be the last guests!'". Oh, and we figured out their faux pas (because we knew there was one from that look) they hadn't parked in the proper spot when they brought their car into town and Giuliano had to wait with Helene while Larry drove the car back up the switchbacks to the top of the hill and then walked back down to meet them.

We decided to go to his restaurant in the square for dinner and before we left I said to Mom "ok, so, I'm not going to ask Giuliano what he recommends, just in case I don't like that and then he gets offended" 'Huh, stupid girl why ask me what is good if no going to listen...'...seriously, does that sound like me? This guy has me running scared! I made my bed and tidied my room this morning...at a hotel! And mom saw him blowing crumbs off of our table on the terrace this morning so we were sure to wipe it clean when we were done our snack today...brother!

But he's like the soup nazzi...no soupa for you!!!

Dinner was fantastic. Mom had the fried fish (calamari and prawns) and I had the stuffed mussels in a marinara sauce that was too die for. We had wine and sat and chatted with another couple that is staying at our place.

Giuliano gave us cappuccinos on the house!!! Stunner. Maybe we've not changed his mind about closing up shop next year, but I think we've certainly brought his opinion on Canadian women up a notch!

When we checked out I wrote in the guest book "thanks for a wonderful time in your beautiful room...the view was stunning, as was the hospitality!". You think he'll get it?? :)