Since it was Carnival (mid-February), Faustino complained that it would be difficult to meet me on a Friday night when I arrived. I suggested that my relatives living in the area could retrieve the key to which he enthusiastically agreed. He was no longer available so I assume that he skipped town during Carnaval. I never saw him. This is a pity because his assistance was sorely needed. It was still winter and cold in Santa Cruz (45º F/between 6º and 7º Celsius at night), so the heat should have been on. It wasn’t. The apartment had central heat but Faustino was not available to explain how it should be turned on nor he turned it on prior to my arrival. On my first night I had to sleep with my coat on. I mentioned this to Faustino and he wrote back on the second day to tell me that he could come the FOLLOWING day (the third day of my four day stay in the apartment) and see to correct the problem. I lost my patience and decided to leave his place, and check in into a local hotel.