I already love airbnb. But I love it even more now because of Emi! It is super hosts like Emi that drive confidence, excitement and belief that the sharing economy is the best thing for everyone, and that the world is full of wonderful people with beautiful friendships just waiting to be made.
Where do I even start? First of all, her flat is excellent and beyond expectation - beautifully furnished, even better than the photos, the little attention to detail she puts in such as ironing the sheets for her guests, buying fresh fruit and milk and leaving them out for me, leaving out little note of her favourite Pintxos restaurants, clean towels, pretty cushions, plush rugs, really comfortable beds - it's everything!
She is also a really interesting person, who is extremely knowledgeable about every thing about San Sebastián - from the history of whaling to recognizing the elderly couple who she has personally witnessed selling candy on the beach for the past 15 years at the same spot.
I know this because we've had long chats into the night, walks along the beach and hikes up to the Cristo. She's given me so much of her time and has made the experience traveling to San Sebastián unforgettable and very special.
And guess what? She is like this with ALL her guests. We didn't just hit it off because we got along, we hit it off because she is just simply sunny, lovely, intelligent, unobtrusive and awesome.
The location of her apartment is to die for - you can walk everywhere and anywhere - incredibly close to Old Town, in fact it's pretty much in old town and a 5 min walk from La Concha beach, the most beautiful beach. You are next to the famous Santa Maria church and can hike all the way up to the top of the Cristo within half an hour.
Also next to Centro.
I was only meant to stay two night and gave up a night in Biarritz to hang out more with Emi. She is simply wonderful and I have struck the jackpot in meeting her. Now I have a friend for life in San Sebastián and I could not feel luckier.