My first day was spent in rich and friendly conversation with Magda, providing my schedule and plans for the first weekend and getting to know the other. If I were a first time traveler and residing in the flat for a weekend, it would’ve been perfect but three weeks is far too long.
Every interaction after the first day was strained and sprinkled with the air of importance of Magda’s routine, her life and her flat.
Magda offered several accommodations not listed on Airbnb to accommodate my 3 week visit, which weren’t requested by this guest, then Magda reneged on them because she reportedly didn’t « feel like being bothered at the moment » or had simply forgotten her words and then went on a tirade about my expectations. I requested an eating table for the room which she acquired immediately without concern but I requested nothing more.
The wardrobe and dresser were not cleared for use and there’s no coffee maker for use. Magda entered the room frequently during the first week to get clothing and accessories and knocked the door for general updates and inquiries. There was no flow, privacy or consistency in this first week. Yes, it’s her flat and she’s present, which wasn’t an issue or inconvenience, but she’s also running a business allowing renters into the space who shouldn’t have to be held accountable for choices or mistakes of past guests. She complained often about inconsiderate guests from the past and damages from their stays.
I simply wanted to focus on my personal projects, site-see and rest. The location is stellar with great restaurants nearby. The bed sleeps well and there’s hot water for bathing and steady internet connection. The flat is on a business street with traffic noise and music from performers throughout the day but you get used to it after awhile. There’s no elevator for people unable to use stairs.
Additionally, as someone who is proficient in four languages it became quite boring having Magda correct me in the single language she masters. She’s very particular about semantics and grammar, losing an inability to connect, understand and be kind - loudly talking, interrupting and rolling her eyes during a majority of conversations. It’s not wits or smarts to treat a person in such a way.
The shower was also unavailable in the second week from Sunday morning to Tuesday night due to a leak, in which she refunded one night of my stay.