I just got back from staying at Carlos' apartment in Barcelona (his wife and son were out of town). I cannot say enough about how welcoming and helpful Carlos is! From the first moment we met, he helped carry my luggage up the stairs (just one flight up), and served me coffee and a snack (I was exhausted and hot when I arrived). The room is small but clean and comfortable, as is the bathroom which is shared with the host. I was provided with towels, a fan for the room, and many hours of lively conversations with Carlos, talking about our two countries and learning about the Spanish foods (which I love to explore).
The neighborhood is diverse and there are many different cultures of food and storefronts represented. It was a short 10-15 minute walk to Las Ramblas and Placa de Catayuna, which is a center of Barcelona for tourists and those looking to get anywhere. He spent much time with me, going over maps and travel guides (that he shared) to help me get to where I wanted to go. He even suggested delicious neighborhood restaurants. I hope our paths will cross again in the future.