What can I say?? Actually, I have plenty to say about Jon and his rad Oakland home. I completely fell head-over-heels in love with the house, the area and my experience/s there.

I stayed with Jon for a month, which is a huge amount of time to share your home with a stranger. An Aussie girl in the Bay Area for the first time to volunteer for a music program, Jon essentially took a punt on me (and did so because of the interest he took in the work I was doing whilst I was there), and I'm so glad he did, because his home really did become mine for the duration of my Oakland stay.

Jon is an incredibly laid-back host, but also super switched-on. He knows the area well, he has an active life and many interests and he is willing and open to sharing this with you, if you want that. If you don't and you want to be left alone, then that's fine too! Jon and I went out for beers as soon as I arrived - that's my kind of welcome! But there were also chunks of time - particularly during weekdays/nights - where we didn't even cross paths for 4 days in a row. I always felt comfortable, secure, safe and welcome in the house.

Jon is very house-proud and just wants to share the home he has created. In saying this, I can't reiterate enough how easy-going he is. He was very clear with me from the start that he didn't want me 'hiding away in my room' and that I should use and explore every available space. He takes great pride in his backyard, growing vegetables and spending any available time he has out there. I myself sat outside in the California sunshine on many occasions, reading, writing and hanging out with Dijon. Jon was encouraging of me to have friends over if I wanted, and although we didn't get the chance, it was a really lovely thing to know that Jon was ready and willing to light the firepit for an evening gathering at any point.

I do love exploring and finding my own feet and working things out for myself, but Jon was always willing at any moment to help with recommendations, directions, maps, event details, etc. He also attended an event I was involved in to do with the music program I was there working for, and that really meant a lot to me.

I couldn't have asked for a better experience as a first-time overseas Airbnb guest. I felt wonderfully at home in Jon's house and in Oakland. Funnily enough, I actually met an Airbnb employee on my flight home and was raving on and on about my experience before she revealed to me her place of work! She then went on to say how much she loved hearing of my experience.

Jon, you are an excellent host and I will be recommending your place to everyone!