I recall a post before arriving here in Berlin suggesting that staying at Ljuba's was like becoming part of a family -- and I would certainly agree with this. Ljuba was incredibly kind. Stern for sure; she has her rules and preferences like anyone else which I advise you always do your best to follow....but like any family dynamic you learn to get along by making some simple changes and end up growing up a bit in the end. I learned a great deal by living in the same flat as Ljuba for two months. I am certainly a more mindful individual about how my actions can impact others, and really appreciate even more the diverse perspectives that exist within European culture, specifically Germany and Berlin. As I progress forward in Europe with wherever my career takes me, I will always remember my humble beginnings at Ljuba's flat and hope that she and I will remain good friends.