Elvira was extremely hospitable. She thought of what I might need before I got there, such as plenty of filtered water or different types of coffee or tea. She was very interested in what I was doing. Though I had been traveling a long time and thought I would just close my door and sleep, we ended up having a nice conversation about her work and mine. She very patiently explained the subway system to me and different things near the apartment. I felt like I was staying with friends, rather than a stranger. I also felt like the room I had was my own, and when I closed the door, it was my private refuge.