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2011 – A year in review

2011 has been a wonderful season for aWeekinUmbria with more than twice as many people staying here as last year. For me, the best part has been when people come together in the big dinning hall for meals. In the faces of old and new friends, I see my dream fulfilled in the place I’ve restored. It has been my guests that have brought this palazzo truly to life. Here are a sampling of what people have had to say about their visit.

These past 4 days we have felt like we have been staying with a good friend in their beautiful home. You have created a very special place and a large part of the experience is your personal touch. Your willingness to help us in our hour(s) of need, saved our vacation. Your tips on where to go, great directions, what to see and focus on, made this a truly memorable visit. Your willingness to share your love and knowledge of the area’s food, wine, art, etc. is appreciated. thoroughly enjoyed our morning coffee in the piazza and evening visits. You take wonderful care of your guests. Thanks again.
— Mary and Jim Bonner, Colorado Springs, CO

It is apparent from the comments in this book that many others share our admiration for what you have achieved here and a fervent desire to stay longer. Congratulations on your vision for this place and we hope it continues to fulfill your dreams. Many thanks,
— Ian and Sue Webb, Sydney, Australia

Your wondrous home made our ‘Week in Umbria’ among the most relaxing, enjoyable, and memorable of our lives. The food — both the meals made lovingly by you and the ones you helped us order in the terrific restaurants you chose — was extraordinary. And your brilliance as a tour guide and host allowed us to see and experience so much in 7 short days. Mostly, thank you for sharing these astounding digs with us. Your generosity gives new meaning to paraphrased  aphorism, “mi palazzo, su palazzo.” Fondly,
— Andrew, Bonnie, and Marilyn Cranin. New York

I had an idea for my dream vacation in Italy. It must be relaxing, stress free, serine countryside, a view from above, a taste of Italy without the hustle and bustle. You provided it all. You are a wonderful host and such a considerate person. Dinner was fabulous and the tours of nearby towns and meeting your friends were unforgettable. You truly made this holiday one of the best for us. We’ll be back!
– Bruno and Sally Boffa, Atlanta, GA

We arrived announcing a need for repose in Umbria. We came, we saw, we rested. Michael shared a bottle of local wine and in the charm of the attic room we watched the sun pass over the valley changing the colors on the hills below. Asissi always in the distance. Perfetto! Grazie
– Jo and Confit, Atlanta, GA

Your palazzo has been the highlight of our trip. It was worth waiting 50 years for the experience. can’t thank you enough for everything. Keep doing what you’re doing it is all you.
— Lois and Sam Hanson, Bruelle, NJ

I can’t thank you enough for a truly lovely week! From the moment we arrived you offered us opportunity upon opportunity to experience this amazing life you’ve both found and built in Umbria. Dinner elbow to elbow with Bettonesi at the Sagra, cappuccino on the piazza, great dipping and swooping rides from one beautiful hill town down through vinyards and fields of sunflowers to the next. Open air concerts, secret maps to artisitc and architectural treasures, forays to find cashmere and pottery; and yummy, yummy meals. Oh, the food! Above all, it was a joy to see Umbria through your eyes. What a fun week. Thank you. Your fan,
—  Johanna Van Hise Heart