cherrybomb, sounds like it will work out, and thanks for the update.

Meanwhile I'm ROTFLMAO. I really like those lessons "learned" that we can't remember! Those are the most valuable!

I'm glad the stair issue got sorted out, that would have been pretty low on the owner's part.

I'm sure the apartment itself will be great once you get there. Obviously it was just the owners who were the big problem. Completely unprofessional and in lala land for sure.

Thanks for posting an update and sharing the entire story, I know I learned a lot from your experience. I do agree with your conclusions. I don't think I'd rent a place that didn't come with a local contact who spoke some English, and I would feel uncomfortable paying 100% months in advance.

I try to find places where the owner approaches it as a business, and conducts things in an organized and professional manner, and so far in my limited experience that means a % deposit and an English speaking on-site contact. I just feel more secure that way.

Have a great trip, can't wait to hear about Berlin (which is on the top of my future travel wishlist)

I'm almost positive I'll remember that lesson once t occurs again and after the fact--It will be a doh! I said I wouldn't do that again moment.

Now I'm back to fussing over my balloonfahrt (which I know will occur as I found out that a friend has taken it upon himself to help the husband arrange it--more likely arranging it for him.) I'm hedging bets with myself that I will either get airsick or have to pee while stuck on the balloonfahrt. And can kinda figure out some semblance of what we are going to do there.