Shawanda, Chris and their sweet four-year-old were the nicest of hosts during my three-month stay in DC, while on a Smithsonian fellowship. They are respectful and unobtrusive but very attentive and responsive when I have needed something. My "quarters," on the top floor of the house, were cozy and quiet and filled with light. There is no kitchen, but there is a toaster oven and a microwave and a fridge and actually I did not want any more amenities and this felt like a welcome break from the everyday. The place is great to work if you need to, or a very good base to explore the city. Rock Creek Park -- in reality a rather big forest with trails and rivers -- is only a few blocks from the house. The metro to Downtown and elsewhere is an eight-minute walk away. The neighborhood is multi-ethnic and fun, with a good number of Hispanic restaurants, Ethiopian markets, cafés, etc. I could not have landed in a better place.