The stay at Judy’s was a special one to cherish.

The host - I love meeting friendly locals and those who share similar passions in art, food and sustainability. Getting to stay with Judy, an artist who used to work in sustainability in one of the most artsy city in the US was a special treat.

Judy also prepares local guide books, walking maps and other useful info about PDX for the guests.

The breakfast - Cooking breakfast with Judy on Sunday morning taught me how to make zucchini muffins and Shakshuka from the cookbook , which I have seen in bookstores many times.

What’s even more special is a tour of Judy’s sewing studio upstairs and how satisfying it is to see Judy’s beautify, painting-like quilts in my room, on the dining table etc.

The area - Judy’s place is 2 min from the buzzing SE Division area with Tidbit Food Carts, Little OTSU ( a cute store) , walking distance to Coffee Division, Stumptown, Little T Bakery, Candle Roman Bakery ( Stumptown founder Duane’s new shop). I also got to visit Ladd’s Addition ( what a special architectural design ) . The location is so convenient, but magically the neighborhood is very quiet so that you have both worlds.

Magical addition - I posted a video of Judy’s watercolor sketchbook on Instagram and @Jenlikestoeat favored it. Little did I know i was reading Jen’s book and I got to meet Jen at Cookbook social the next day. I also ran into Laura, who just went to China with my restaurateur friends from NYC. What a small world and so much coincidence. I have to thank Airbnb for catalyzing such serendipity.