Wow, wow, wow... I'm not sure what to say about Alex that hasn't been said about Saints. Prior to meeting Alex at the apartment, we conversed over Whatsapp for a month or so before I was to arrive in Rio de Janeiro. Alex made me feel so comfortable and was incredibly receptive and quick in answering my questions. Upon arriving at the apartment, Alex was so kind, generous and funny. He instantly made me feel at home at the apartment! And about the apartment... WOW! Alex clearly thought about everything. The apartment is as high-tech as it looks in the pictures, and is complete with things you expected and hoped for (like internet), and things you forgot to bring, or didn't think you'd need (such as pots and pans, wine glasses, wine openers, towels, hair dryers, bluetooth speakers, a steamer, and an electronic key lock password to the apartment so you don't lose the apartment key out in the street or on the beach). The apartment was gorgeous, and the location perfect!! I felt safe walking the streets at all hours of the night, and the apartment was located just two blocks from the Metro (SUPER SAFE - ride anywhere for just 3,50BR or about $1.25US), and two blocks from Copacobana beach. Don't want to walk to Ipanema? Take the Metro 3 stops to General Osorio station to Ipanema or the beaches for $1.25. Wanna party in Rio's party neighborhood? Take the Metro to Lapa. This apartment is amazing! I'm not sure what else you'd want.
Alex even went out of his way to suggest places for me to go.

But by far the one memory I will take away from Brazil is when Alex, knowing that I was traveling alone (and was, perhaps, in some need of company), randomly asked if I wanted to go on a ride through Rio with him. I said yes, and I am so happy I did. Alex picked me up at the apartment and drove me through Copacabana, past Ipanema, up through the mountains, past the favellas, through the beautiful beaches of Barra da Tijuca, Guaratiba, and Sepetiba, just because... We had lunch at a fantastic restaurant in the mountains, stopped for groceries, and spent the better part of the day together, returning in the evening. In short, Alex had absolutely no reason to do this for me, other than he was a good man and wanted to show me his country. Alex even helped to top off my SIM card, and asked to help me exchange my money at a favorable rate. Honestly, who does that??

This was my very first experience with AirBnB, and Alex really really set the bar incredibly high. AirBnB if you're reading this, you might want to have a quiet word with him about this. Other apt renters are bound to be a massive let down after staying at Alex's. It truly is the Best Studio in Rio!