I was in Vancouver for an intense rehearsal week for an upcoming musical tour I’m singing in. These weeks are typically long, arduous and stressful…made more so by the fact that I was originally placed in a totally unsuitable Airbnb (smokers, not clean, etc.) upon arrival. After an unpleasant night of asphyxiation and an unreasonable amount of Lysol wipes, I scrambled to find a new place last-minute, and David and Dawn were totally accommodating and helpful. They prepared their suite for my next-day arrival, and were also able to accommodate my son (also performing on tour with me) and my service dog.
The suite was bright, airy, clean and well-appointed. With the futuristic pull-out couch (not the typical Seinfeldian kind that leaves the user needing muscle relaxants the next morning), it was a perfect living situation for the three of us as we maneuvered this whirlwind week (our first performance preparation since Covid kiboshed our careers 2+ years ago). Everything we needed was there. Laundry availability was a bonus. The location was perfect for our needs, and on a beautiful, quiet street but still close to everything one could need.
Little touches go a long way, especially when you’re “on the road” for work with homesickness as your constant companion: extra blankets, a heater in the bedroom, toiletries, well-labeled and explained house items and procedures, a lovely little backyard, sensor lights to guide the path when returning home from rehearsals late at night, keyless entry, and more.
David and Dawn were not at all obtrusive but answered inquiries within the hour. They expressed concerns about never having hosted a service dog, but I assured them mine would cause no issues or disruptions. He made himself right at home just as we did and seemed reluctant to leave (so many new smells and fire hydrants to pee on!!).
If ever I’m called to perform in this neck of the woods again (and that’s very likely if the bloody virus stays away), I will certainly stay here in the future. It’s a true home-away-from-home; the perfect amount of posh without pretension!