I loved staying at Thiago's house. After a week at a work conference in a hotel that felt very removed from Rio and its culture, Thiago's house and family were just what I needed. And they were so hospitable. When I arrived I neglected to read/notice the instructions about going to the hostel lower on their hill to meet them, instead I just got lost wandering around the neighborhood, I emailed Thiago and within ten minutes his mom had come and found me and brought me to their house! I was really happy being there and would stay again, and recommend to other friends going to Rio.