My trip was just a short weekend away, but I wish I could have stayed much longer. Raimonda and Paulius were so friendly, welcoming and helpful, and eager that my journey should go smoothly from the moment I left my home in Leeds.

On my arrival they invited me to join them for tea... Raimonda and Paulius are very sociable and easy going, and I enjoyed many interesting conversations with them. Raimonda treated me to her homemade cuisine, and shared the secret of a good borsch (beetroot soup). Not to mention her most healthy and delicious carrot cake and smoothies – the most healthy there are!

They gave me invaluable advice on public transport connections, well over and above what the Transport for London site provided, and Raimonda showed me around the local area and amenities. Odis their little Pekinese is lovely, and joined us on our walk. On the Sunday I was joining family in Waltham Abbey, some distance away, when they kindly offered me a lift there as well as fetching me later that day, which I really appreciated as it saved me the worry of missed connections.

Their place was perfectly located – a seamless tube ride from Victoria to Walthamstow, then a bus to their door... well, perhaps a footstep away ;) Their house is beautifully cosy and clean, and I felt so comfortable and at ease throughout. Although I was travelling by myself, the single room was booked at first so I booked the double room instead. The cupboards and drawers were spacious, with a table top and wide desk for writing at, and the room had additional spot lights – perfect for bedtime reading too. Raimonda had also provided a spare duvet just in case, though I never needed it.

We will keep in touch, and a huge thank you Raimonda and Paulius... look forward to seeing you again!