This place is beautiful! The views are incredible, with the statue of Christ able to be seen all over the house and the beach is gorgeous. I never personally met Thiago, but I was able to message him with any questions I had. His mother is such a wonderful and attentive woman, she even got up early my first day here to get me breakfast before I left on a hike! She does speak some English, however I know enough Spanish that I had no priblem communicating with her. I was a bit nervous at first because it is in a favela, however everyone in this neighborhood is friendly. I never once felt unsafe. Anyone would love to stay here as much as I did.