When I flew to Topanga, CA from Raleigh, NC for a retreat, I had no idea what to expect. I hadn't been to CA since I was a kid and had never been to Topanga.
From the first five minutes I spent with Lisa, owner of Cross Bull Ranch, I knew she was an empath, an all-around kind person, and someone who had her s*** together.
When I called for directions, she helped me find the place and stayed on the phone with me until I got there. She showed me where I would be staying and talked to me about my trip and my reasons for being there. She was a great listener and very validating and helpful.
The trailer was cute and cozy. The tap water tasted better than any filtered water I've ever had. There was a full size refrigerator, stove, plates, utensils, and pots and pans. Anything extra I needed, I just had to ask and she would supply it. Lisa's house is super close, so she can usually get you items quickly.
The first night when I had no food, Lisa brought me a plate of the meal she had made for herself. It was very healthy and different for me, but I loved it. When I forgot to get peanut butter at the grocery store, she let me borrow hers.
She showed me around town, took me to some cafes, and she drove me to my retreat on days I didn't feel comfortable driving (the terrain is very different from NC. Topanga is basically a strip of road going up a mountain).
When I left, I knew I would definitely stay there again the next time I go to Topanga.