I spent a very nice 5 days in Helen's room. She picked me up from the airport and the drive to her house was about 20 minutes.

The living areas are on the 1st floor (living, dining, kitchen), while 2 bedrooms are on a ground level below (one is hers). The room I rented was small but equipped with all I needed (bed, closet w/ free space, lighting, and outlets for my gadgets.) The room has its own bathroom which was very clean and Helen even put in fresh towels halfway through my stay. The location, Mt. Pleasant, is a great little neighborhood full of lovely homes and lots of trees. It reminds me of Grant Park in Atlanta, GA.

Public transportation is easily accessible, with the train about a 15 minute walk, and buses about a 10 minute walk. I was attending a writing workshop in Kitsilano, and it took me 15-20 minutes to get there by bus (one bus, straight shot). One day I did a bike tour of Stanley Park, and it took me about an hour altogether - from leaving her house, taking a train downtown, and then a bus to the park. Helen is very helpful in researching and printing bus/train schedules. I recommend also going on Google and looking it up yourself to see alternate routes and times in case things don't go as planned or you just want to see multiple ways to get where you're going (and back again).

NOTE: The buses you want mainly probably run on Broadway, which is a 4 block walk downhill. A lovely little walk in the daytime. Just be aware that coming back you'll be walking uphill - a gradual incline (and not fun after spending 5 hours biking). Also note the walking time from train or bus if you are coming back at night and feel uncomfortable walking alone. My first night, I took a cab back from the Rio Theater (highly recommended). The cab driver confirmed that its a perfectly safe neighborhood to walk alone in at night. After that, I walked back at night alone from the bus stop. For an easier walk, take the bus on Broadway all the way down to Main St, and catch the #3 bus going up Main. It's only a few blocks, but it mostly takes care of the uphill part.

Helen is a lovely host, willing to do whatever she can to make your stay enjoyable. She cooked breakfast a couple of mornings (the others I ate while out and about), helped me use her washer and dryer, and was around for conversation when I was up for it. Her dog, Gypsy, is a cutie, but he does bark a lot when you come in the house. I wasn't totally comfortable with him, so she took him along when she knew I was coming back before her.

All in all, a great 5 days! Make sure you spend time on Main St, especially 49th Parallel coffeeshop!