Rebbica....My suggestion is not to rent an apartment solo.That is a good way to get home sick real fast.This has happened in the past.

My answer (as I have suggested) in the Spanish thread is to rent a nice private room in a middle class home.You can even enroll in a HOME STAY PROGRAM with the local Spanish language school in the town you plan to live in.This way you will have your own private room with bath and you can make friends with the family if you choose so.Also some home stay programs allow small pets.

Anyway,I hope this helps,Tony.