Maria was a perfect host for me. She loves Portugal and Porto, and delights in sharing that love with other people. She knows the city completely and is very warm and out-going so people naturally respond to her and ask her for directions, advice etc. She's warm and generous, and speaks English which helped me a lot. My first day there, she gave me a thorough tour of Porto, Gaia, and neighboring towns and showed me how to use public transport. Her neighborhood is a little outside the center (one subway stop) which I really liked, because I got a glimpse of non-tourist day to day life in Porto. Her home is a beautiful old building; thick stone walls, very clean with tall doors, high ceilings, and many-times-polished old wood floors. My room was quiet and cozy with a little heater and two duvets - Porto is cool in January, but I was very snug. When I go back I hope Maria has room available because I'd love to stay there again.