I have had a friend (that I made online) offer to come from Drobeta to Brasov to help me on arrival since he is a native Romanian. He stressed he would do this free of charge. I offered to pay for his train ticket and a place to stay while in Brasov because I think that's appropriate. He refused and said it's like a partial vacation. If this were another American I was talking to then I would insist that I cover their trip since the timing of the trip is being based on helping me (he had a general trip to Brasov planned for just sometime this winter). I haven't mentioned paying for anything since because I don't know what's appropriate there.
Should I be more insistent? Would that make me a pushy jerk? Am I rude for not insisting? Should I just plan to pay for meals and such when we're out? Anyone have any experience or advice?