I've stayed with Li for about two of my three months in the Bay Area. It has been my favourite Airbnb experience by far. I hope to be back in Li's space very, very soon.

It truly felt like home. I had everything I needed (and more!). Li equips all of her bedrooms with a mini kitchenette — I had my own fridge, microwave, Crock-Pot, cutting boards, etc. I loved having my own bathroom (which has a massive shower, by the way!) and it was really convenient to have a separate entrance that locks with a code, so I never had to carry a key. I could watch TV while in bed or in the super comfy lounger chair in my room. My favourite part of the room, however, was the big sliding door that leads onto the patio and is about 15m from the water! The water…Li has a paddle boat and kayak which she immediately offered I use. I went for a sunset cruise with the kayak, and had our neighbourhood swan join me for parts of it. Loved it. You get to watch all kinds of birds while on and around the water; I spent entire days on the patio soaking up the November sun and watching birds or reading or chatting to Li or playing with Redi (Li’s 5-year-old Vizsla).

I think what really made it 'home' though were Li and Redi. In many ways Li has become my American/Swedish mom, and friend, and housemate and tour guide! Li’s introduced me to incredible places all around the Bay Area and during the many times we took Redi for a walk I found myself wondering whether it’s a bigger treat for Redi or for me. Li has made me feel completely part of her home. We shared mornings on the patio, evenings in front of the fire, the coffee maker, bicycles, and Redi of course! It’s been such a fulfilling stay. I want more and more of it! So, thank you, Li. Really, thank you.