Carol’s place is really wonderful. It’s your own little house all to yourself. Laundry, kitchen (With full fridge, stove and oven), extremely comfortable bed and air conditioning that really works. Note that the house is almost (over?) 100 years old, so guests with allergies might be sensitive. But every nook and cranny is spotlessly clean!!
Also, Carol is committed to gardening with local plants - this means they’re dormant in the summer/fall and the landscaping looks a little dreary - but the amount of water saved is so awesome (you’ll notice the neighbours watering their grass many times per day…). I bet in winter, when everything comes into bloom it would be beautiful!
It’s a great location - bus and transit routes nearby can help get you almost anywhere - it’s a 3 block walk to a subway line that goes directly downtown).
But the best part is Carol herself. She’s the best combination of helpful and unobtrusive. She’s a great tour guide and generous with her local knowledge - which is extensive! She even gave me a ride to get my COVID test for my flight home.
I’ll be heading down to Pasadena for school a few times every year and I’ll definitely stay at Carol’s place again! It will feel like I have a real home in Pasadena.