I stayed with Carolyn while I attended a course at the Huntington Library in Pasadena.

The location is great for me. Carolyn's place is about a 45 minute walk to the Huntington library, which I enjoy doing in the fresh, morning air, or about five minutes by car. It's also only a couple of minutes walk to the Gold Line station, which goes straight to downtown LA, and old town Pasadena.

I love Carolyn's home. It's beautiful, clean, and comfortable. Carolyn made me feel very welcome. I really love the garden and court yard, the photos don't really show just how lovely it is. And it's a privilege to stay with a talented harpist. I was lucky to listen in on Carolyn teaching a couple of students how to play.

I took advantage of the kitchen to make breakfast at home. Carolyn provides coffee, tea, milk, cereal, toast, fruit and yoghurt, and eggs. I especially love that Carolyn (as a fellow Australian) always has vegemite in stock. But don't worry, she won't make you eat it! She is also happy to let you cook other meals if you want, but I took advantage of the local restaurants.

What other reviewers have said about Carolyn being a wonderful person is true. She is warm and friendly and happy to chat over a coffee or a glass of wine, but she is not a needy host and respects privacy and personal space when you feel like peace and quiet.

The resident cats, Mareeba and Sinbad, are friendly too.