Maria Silvestre was quick to respond to any questions and make us feel at ease even before coming to Lisbon. She came running over from her work as soon as we arrived (earlier than expected) and spent all the time needed to help us up with our luggage and explain the functioning of her apartment and its situation in the neighbourhood - which has one of the prettiest squares in Lisbon just around the corner, with the unique Museum of Archaeology right on it.
The apartment is just as the photos, more spacious even, and spotlessly clean - as many people have said, a cozy space to come home to. The cafe next door was never open, so it was not at all noisy except for an insistent bird in the morning - and the usual hum of the neighbourhod.
Maria Silvestre couldn't have been warmer or more attentive, generous and reassuring - I now have a friend in Lisbon and will surely stay in touch with her.