We knew from previous reviews that Joao's place was lovely, but still, it was a pleasant surprise to enter and see such a lovely apartment, just as pictured. Joao had corresponded with us so frequently that we felt like friends when we arrived. We felt like we were guests at our well-to-do Portuguese auntie's home. It was fun cooking in the bright kitchen & sitting in the laundry room sipping coffee early morning when it was too cool to go out on the balcony. The 2 bathrooms, dishwasher & washing machine made us feel right at home. About the neighbourhood: It is a real Portuguese neighbourhood & no one speaks English. Downstairs in our building are many little businesses & cafés, very convenient. There is even a dog grooming salon as well as a green space behind the building & a park across the street if you bring your dog like we did. There are many buses running through the neighbourhood. Just across the bridge, a short walk, is the Metro which will take you to the old city, the fabulous Bilbao shopping, Casa de Musica, or you can transfer at Trindade to cross the river to Gaia for port tasting or just walking along the river, very pleasant. Going in the other direction from the apartment is the fabulous MAR shopping mall which is anchored by IKEA and the Jumbo. The food in the food court is fairly good, abundant & reasonably priced. If you're staying for awhile you might want to grocery shop at the Jumbo, a well-priced mega market. If you have kids, that mall is for you! It is kid friendly and had the most adorable clothes & toys.