The location and exuberant host-ing made Winnie's home a winning deal for my first, solo, quick, working trip to Victoria.
The walk from ferry to Winnie's was a breeze, even with luggage, and I enjoyed being a block from the water.
Winnie is a super social host, and I chose her listing hoping to have an "insider" experience of quaint Victoria from a longtime and enthusiastic local who wanted to share tips and stories. She definitely delivered!
The super-clean apartment made it easy to instantly relax in someone else's home - it was the first time I'd booked a room-only in a shared house situation, but now I would try it again.
The first night I had the place to myself while Winnie was out and I cooked dinner - everything was easy to find and use in the kitchen - and again, very clean!!
She has a couple of easy "systems" for bathroom and consideration of her neighbors' space, and clearly communicated these from the get-go.
She was generally extremely generous: sharing suggestions for activities, etc, and when I realized I forgot a couple of items, she offered to loan me hers. She anticipated things I might need and kept offering great little solutions here and there.
I made a couple of specific logistic requests ahead of time which she more than accommodated.
In two short days I met some of Winnie's neighbors and acquaintances, and started to feel like I belonged in her wholesome, homegrown, organic, sustainable, cozy, colorful neighborhood of James Bay.
Thank you, Winnie!