Hi Spidge
Maria is visible (very) and easily contact-able on the "a Trieste" site which can be opened with this link:
A Trieste ... :: View Forum - English section
She is very well known contributor to the site under her nom-de-plume of "Refolo" and is acknowledged by everyone (including yours truly) to have mastered the art of calling a spade a spade and fighting the Australian's corner
Note that to post on the site you will need to register and you will be pleased to hear that there is a English section for all of us who's Italian & Triestin is not up to scratch. Once again, Maria is also a regular poster on this section.
If you decide you wish to make contact with her I would suggest that the site is the best place to start and I will, of course, be glad to be of any assistance.
Best wishes
Ron