Marcia is a very hospitable person, who literally opened her arms and her house to me, during my recent stay in Rio. This was especially important to me, since I didn't know anybody & barely spoke the language. It's quite a different experience living with a host family, my 1st one, but I have only good memories, not regrets! BTW, the area, Botafugo is about a 10 min walk, then 5 min subway ride to Copa and the beaches.