I had a lovely time as a guest in Bríd's home. I could probably go on and rhapsodize about Irish hospitality and all that, but I prefer to think that Bríd was such a wonderful and gracious host not only because she's Irish but mainly because she's Bríd. It was easy to feel very much (and very naturally) welcomed and at-home despite my having to spend more time in the house than any of us had originally bargained for due to some particularly bad winter storms that coincided with my stay.

The house is conveniently located, with the #405 bus making frequent stops right down the road to take you to and from the heart of the city. It is also within walking distance of the grocery store and a short hop the beach. I really didn't feel like I missed anything by not staying downtown.

The deal is that you're staying as a guest in someone's house, so you shouldn't expect the amenities of a 5-star hotel. What you CAN expect, however, is a cozy room and the typical comforts of a lived-in space, and within it, to find yourself at home and a part of the life of the home.