Residence Agave Lipari

First we couldn't find the residence as we only received the street name without a number. When we tried to call (the reception in these alley is really really bad) the woman on the phone was not really friendly and we had to wait quite a long time until we got picked up. The room we got is really nice, big and good located. Only the fridge was broken (no cool drinks during the hottest summer in Italy) and the safe didn't work (low battery). When we told the woman at reception that the fridge was broken and full of water she said that someone will have a look (only) the next day. We had more questions, but the phone rang, so she picked up and did not consider us anymore. This happend twice. She also did not give us any information at all even though we asked for them. The breakfast is also nothing really special. The internet works between 'not at all' and 'really bad'. The water for showering is cold. At check out we realized that most of the problems (being unfriendly, broken fridge which was never repaired etc) was mostly due to that one woman at reception. When we checked out there was a younger lady and a man, both were really friendly. When we told them that the fridge problem was still not solved, they didn't know about it and apologized.

It was like having our own apartment around the corner from Lipari Porto. We truly felt like we were living among the locals. That being said, one of the locals who lived downstairs had a baby that pretty much screamed bloody murder then entire 4 days we were there. That was a little disconcerting. The wifi did not work at all while we were there. There were a lot of stairs to climb to get to the apartment, and that was sometimes exhausting after a day of exploring. Having a bathtub was wonderful, after about a week of staying in hotels that had tiny showers. The showerhead in the tub blew out a lot of air, so when I took a shower, I spent the whole time trying to keep the shower curtain off of me. The bed was not the most comfortable in the world, but it was not the worst one we encountered on our trip either. Breakfast was at the nearby Hotel Meligunis, and the hotel provided us with a ride to the ferry on the day of our departure. All in all, we enjoyed our time at the Agave Residence, but I can see how some people might not like it.

This tiny guesthouse is in Lipari . You are in the Aeolian Islands, known as the "Wind Islands" A musical instrument was named after these islands. Lipari is the only Island here that allows cars. It is the most practical Island, if you have small children or teenagers . The other islands in this part of the world are much more, Esoteric. I often stayed with friends from Genoa on their boat. The Islands are not protected much in the Harbors so the boats Tie up to each other for protection in the Harbor. Everyone serves Microwave Lasagna on their boats. People are friendly. Beautiful Rose wines are served for lunch. The winds here are famous and the water is choppy and not for the faint hearted. I grew up on a sail boat and my Father was Captain Hook on a boat, Really! So I am used to sea adventure. But I don't suggest it for most people. This part of the world used to be Ancient Greece and they say the a lot of Greek poetry was written while staying on these islands which were totally undeveloped until the 1960's. No electricity until 1960s. The water is rough and oddly enough the Islands were developed By a Scotsman, the only guy brave enough to Sail here. So there is a large aristocratic Scottish population on the Aeolian Islands. The sea is at its calmest in June, July and August. It's blistering hot During the day. But there are the most amazing ancient Fossils on the rocks coming out of the water. Truly Magnificent- Life here takes place at night. No one except people who work and have to make a living come out in the day before 12 noon for lunch. Then nap, then fishing, then dinner at 10. There is the most beautiful outdoor disco With Brazilian Music on top of the Raya Hotel on the Island of Panarea. Admission Charge,Expensive. Overlooking the Harbor on all sides. Memorable- The hotel there is a 5 star hotel. No TV On the Island anywhere when I was there Years ago. I liked it Very, very expensive. few Americans go. The Americans don't usually understand these Islands, which have rocky beaches. Uncomfortable, no modern conveniences what so ever. This is a place only for Speed boats from Milan and Sailboat Captains. Water can be Dangerous but, what history ! Ancient Greece at its best.