AirBnB is such a phenomenal experience for both Travelers and Hosts because of the way it allows us to each take a peek into the other’s world. This “discovery” is probably much more pronounced in Travelers than it is in Hosts, but nonetheless still relevant.
While there are numerous reasons I choose to mention this “preview” exchange, it is none more certain than during stays such as this one.
More specifically, Shanika’s place is one in which I’d never actively seek out - - mostly because the location is not a place I prefer to find myself, especially after dark! Yet, there is a charm to Shanika’s place; an effort shown which radiates from the nicer front yard than the neighbors; or the immediate response from its Host to questions and assistance; or from the offers of snacks, or toothpaste; or even from the fact that this person, Shanika, has gone out of her way to allow a stranger, me, to stay in her home!
I awoke this Saturday morning to the sounds of foot traffic and life happening in the home above my basement room. Since I was going to be flying hundreds of passengers and cargo later that night from New York to Santiago, Chile 🇨🇱 (which meant I would not sleep again until noon or so the next day) I was trying to sleep late, but to no avail. So I headed out for a walk to explore the neighborhood. After a few kilometers of check cashing and liquor stores I abandoned the walk and called an Uber. A short ride lead me to a nice park, walking trails, restaurants and alike.
Shortly thereafter, I returned to Shanika’s place, but had the Uber drop me 2 km from the house. It was a beautiful afternoon and I wanted to walk a bit more. I encountered a few friendly people on the street as well as patronized a delicious and unique neighborhood juice bar.
When I had returned to the house Shanika had repaired the plumbing issue and tidied-up the place. The A/C and fan was turned on in anticipation of my return. This was a very thoughtful gesture.
I caught a few zzzzzz-s and checked out early.
On my way out, there were 3 young boys playing in the street - - one riding a motorcycle (dirt bike), the other a fly board, and the other a scooter. All three of them stopped to talk to me. They could not have been more polite or courteous. I thought of my own world-traveler children and asked myself if they’d have been as friendly as these young boys?
My Uber arrived and for the next 20 minutes I reflected on my stay. I thought about how fast Shanika took a possible nightmare plumbing problem and made it a non-issue without pomp nor circumstance. I thought about those polite young boys playing on a crowded street with no supervision (they were completely fine) but making the best of a sunny day with nowhere else to play. And, mostly, I thought about how this particular experience allowed me a very slight moment to peer into the lives of people I don’t know and most likely never will. I was humbled and better for the experience.
Make no mistake, as I write this review I’m in my presidential suite at the Sheraton Santiago snuggled into my dreamy- comfortable king size bed and I would not trade it! I’ll be snow skiing ⛷ tomorrow morning on the fresh powder that’s been falling since my arrival ….
But, a part of me is drawn to a neighborhood in Jamaica, Queens, NY where a kind person opened her home and allowed a weary traveler a place to rest.
Shanika - is absolutely a five-star host! Unfortunately, the place is not.
PROS: Shanika, Shanika, Shanika. Absolutely, a great host. There was an issue which I called her about and she immediately fixed the problem on a Saturday! She is the kind of person I’d hire to manage my apartment buildings in a heartbeat. Attitude and kindness of the people.
CONS: Not a nice location. Dingy basement that can use a bit of creative styling.