This was the first time I had moved somewhere I had never been to before. I didn't know anybody. All I had with me was only what I could carry. AirBnb'n with Bob and Karen was the best decision I could have possibly made in an otherwise uncertain time.

It's easy to feel like a stranger in a new city. I had arrived at the onset of winter. Expectations of rain. The holidays were upon us. Imagine how important it must have been to feel welcome. Bob and Karen were so hospitable and accommodating, I not only felt welcome, but also appreciated. They cared about my happiness.

Everything I needed was there for me at the unit when I arrived. At home, I’m in the kitchen or on the computer. Their kitchen was clean and well equipped. The laptop friendly work space was both comfortable and functional - easy to get stuff done or kick back and watch Portlandia. I am a person who notices the little details and appreciates the great efforts people have to go through to bring about those extra special touches that Bob and Karen afford their guests.

One day, Bob offered to swing by and pick me up. We were going on a mini-tour of the east side. That was one of the highlights of my stay. That whole experience opened my eyes and gave Portland a deeper meaning. Inspiring stories, history, neighborhoods, Portlandia, current events, hot spots, places to go, places to avoid. I think it would have taken me a year of living here before I could have discovered just a fraction of the things Bob was so eloquently presenting.

Portland is one of the most bicycle friendly cities in the country. That's a big reason I was moving here. I ditched the gas powered vehicle back home in favor of shipping my bicycle out to one of the local bike shops for re-assembly. My urban assault was low carbon. Everywhere by bicycle and/or public transit. For this situation, Bob and Karen's McCormick Pier place could not be more ideal. It's in the center of the city right on the banks of the Willamette river at the foot of the spectacular Steel bridge. It's a major hub, not only to world class bicycling infrastructure, but for all types of public transportation systems; light rail stations, bus stations. Even catch a train to Seattle. Walk out their door and go anywhere.

Like a secret fishing hole, or camping spot I don’t want to say too much. Seeing the way people find out about stuff and those “best kept secrets” aren’t a secret anymore. After all, I wince at the thought of one day going to AirBnb with Bob and Karen again, only to be shockingly horrified that they are booked solid for the next 10 years. Like an affordable apartment in Manhattan, better get on the waiting list now.