Manuel was a very kind and considerate host to my father and I throughout our three days in San Francisco and Oakland, and as this was my first visit to the States and was travelling with my elderly father I was very thankful for all his help and recommendations which made it easy for us to find our way around and settle in and enabled us to see places we would not have known to visit otherwise.

Manuel's house is beautiful and was a particularly lovely first place to stay. The house is also perfectly equipped, so easy to self cater, though there are plenty of places to eat out that are not too far away.

The house is in a very peaceful residential area of Oakland away from the main freeway although this is very easy and quick to reach. Taxis do not pass this way and we had a very stressful moment when, trying to get to our train, our taxi did not show and without many phonecalls and Manuel's help again we would not have made it.

Hence, renting a car is highly recommended if you drive, especially if spending some time in the area. It also makes getting around so much easier not to mention increasing freedom to go wherever you please, which is well worthwhile as there is a lot to see and do and much of this is outside San Francisco.