The apartment is even better than the website pictures suggest. Anna responded quickly to my initial inquiry and answered our questions in subsequent emails. Her husband, Daniel, speaks English, which helped with communication. Anna and Daniel let us check in early. Daniel and his sister greeted us warmly, showed us where to park on the street in front of the building, helped carry our bags to the third floor, and showed us around. They made sure that we could get onto the internet, tried out all the burners on the stove, and answered questions. The place was spotless and spacious with multiple balconies, many windows, and wonderful views of the sea. The large rooftop terrace was a bonus. Anna and Daniel were friendly when they were cleaning other apartments in the building, but never intrusive. Balestrate is a wonderful coastal town to get a feel for what it's like to live in Western Sicily. We walked all over town and enjoyed interacting with local merchants in grocery stores, restaurants, and other business establishments. The young woman at the tourist information booth in town was especially helpful. Everything we purchased at the SISA grocery store around the corner from the apartment, pastry shops, gellateria, and the weekly Monday outdoor market was fresh and delicious. We cooked some meals in the apartment, but ate out, too. Frutta di Mare da Giovanni was our favorite - ate two lunches and two dinners there during our three week stay. We loved the rotisserie chicken from Chicken's Corner and the gelato from a couple of different places. The roasted chestnuts sold on the street and the arancini (rice balls) were fun to eat, too. Because it was off season, there was ample free parking at the beach; we swam nearly every afternoon. The beach was uncrowded and the water was warm. My husband and I traveled with a friend, who was with us for the entire three week period. We were joined by friends from England for the middle week; there was ample room for all of us! We loved the large kitchen table, where we sat for hours of good food and conversation. We took day trips to Palermo, Monreale, Scopello, San Vito lo Capo, Marsala, Erice, Mozia, Contessa Entellina (an Albanian village), Alcamo (large outdoor market every Wednesday), Segesta, Castellamare del Golfo, and several other nearby towns. Got more than our money's worth. Grazie, Anna e Daniele!
