Having spent the previous week getting the business point of view of Latin America (aka insides of Sheraton and Westin properties and office building conference rooms), I was looking for a totally local experience on my "holiday" weekend. I chose Isa&Paolo's place because of the reviews, the price, and my desire to see Rio from the point of view of someone who actually lives there.

The home is exactly as pictured in the photos, down to the extremely friendly host dog, Linha. My flight got in to GIG after midnight, but Paolo had a patient and friendly driver waiting for me at the customs exit. We arrived to Santa Teresa after 1am and Paolo was up and waiting for me - upbeat, helpful, and interested already to know something more about me.

The room was comfortable - fan for the tropical heat of my first night, and shutters closed for the rain on other nights. Breakfast was plentiful, with very good coffee and homemade yogurt and cakes. Paolo and I shared some very interesting conversations about life and work and he was very helpful in arranging a day tour for me with trusty driver Carlos. Isa and I communicated through Paolo's translations and the two of them worked at their clothing business while I toured the city. I wish I could have expressed more to Isa about how nice it was to be in her home. I briefly got to meet their 21 year old son and his friends as well.

In the evenings I was invited like part of their family to go out for dinner and meet their neighbors. It was a great experience with English, Italian and Portuguese all happening at the same time with great food and kindness all around. One night Paolo walked me around Lapa with all the music and nightlife to see and hear where everything was happening, and the next night the neighbors included me in a party at their home. The neighbors had a friend visiting them from Italy, and Paolo created an itinerary for the both of us. We had a great day touring the central area and beaches together - competing my international experience as the only language the two of us had in common was French!

The neighborhood is hilly - and above is picturesque and arty Santa Teresa. I definitely recommend spending some time to walk their and visit the Parque Ruinas, shops and bars there at least one afternoon. Down the hill is Lapa and Centro. It is like a downtown area. It is gritty, but I felt safe walking there during the day for sure. If you like music it's great. Metro to the beach was just a short trip, but I recommend taxi or guide to tourist locations like Corcovado and Pao de Azucar.

I wish Isa & Paolo sincerest luck in life and in their business. I hope to see them again, perhaps another visit to Brazil for work or pleasure, or maybe someday they will travel and I can welcome them.

Obrigado. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for the experience I was looking for.