Helpful. Friendly. Inviting. Caring. Extraordinary. These are all words that describe Michal Dawson Connor. Michal was my host for 10 weeks while I completed an internship at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and I must say that he took an already amazing experience and made it only greater. As a host, Michal is professional, helpful, and he goes the extra mile to make your stay a good one. Michal offered to help me get places when I needed. He kept his kitchen open for me to use (he even gave me plenty of room for groceries in the fridge, freezer and cupboards).

If you want to stay with Michal, and just do your own thing, he will leave you to your privacy and just be your host. However, if you wish to be more of a friend, then Michal is also a great person to hang out with. Michal is adaptable, and once he learns what is best for his guests, that is what he does.

The oasis is a beautiful place with a variety of beautiful rare plants to marvel at. The flowers that bloom are quite extraordinary, and add an exciting flare to the day.

Michal's place is certainly not for everyone. Plant haters and arachnophobics would likely not enjoy themselves, but these things, which may turn a few heads away are exactly what makes the oasis such a gem to most. It is a special place, with a special host. And that's just how it makes the guests feel. Special.

Thank you for everything Michal; housing for me could have turned my experience in Pasadena into a nightmare, but instead you turned it into an amazing experience, and I feel that I have found a true friend.