sometimes you opt for an Airbnb because it's a better deal than a hotel. other times, you look for a good deal AND somebody who'll gladly lend you a hand. we kinda forget that's what's at the heart of this whole Airbnb thing.
Now being a non American tourist poses all kinds of issues (all first world ones, I ain't complaining). I landed in DC at an ungodly 5:30am. I was jet lagged and carless, so really had no place to go. Gary and his family were kind enough to allow me to store my stuff at their place, and check in early.
Also, DC was the starting point of my long backpacking vacation, for which I had to order a bunch of equipment. a phone call to the Post Office convinced me, I couldn't trust them to hold my packages. Gary came through for me and accepted and held all my packages for a couple of weeks till I got there. I don't know what I would have done without his assistance. that's really an embodiment of the true spirit of the Airbnb. thank you, Gary et al.