The host's mother was waiting for me when I arrived, even though I had not confirmed the exact time I would arrive. She let me in, showed me where everything was, and made sure I knew how to use the code to the door of the studio. I was given everything I needed to know.

The place was just as described, but I must say that no photograph can do justice to how tiny the studio was. This is not a complaint; the studio gave me everything I needed. Only a few days into my stay did I begin to wish there was room for a desk, as I was hoping to get some job related work done during my stage. But again; this is not a complaint - the advertisement never promised a desk and I never anticipated wanting one.

The neighborhood was quiet and safe. To an outsider like me, the neighborhood could look frightening - there are abandoned buildings that look like they're about to crumble to the street interspersed with brand new apartments and town homes that must cost a fortune. But every night when I returned to the studio - almost always after midnight as I was coming from the Manhattan Theatre District - I felt safe. I had the sidewalks and roads completely to myself.