So you think it's crazy allowing total strangers onto your property, giving them keys to what you once saw as 'holy ground.' It may be a room in your home with its own entrance or a garden cottage!
Yes, there are risks to turning part of your property into an Airbnb.
And yes, it's not only Airbnb guests who have horror stories to tell. The hosts can tell plenty more! Just as there are stories of amazing stays with hospitable hosts and super comfy accommodation, so do we, as hosts, receive wonderful guests, many of whom return, time and time again, and become good friends.
Now, don't get me wrong; I am not writing this to make fun of anyone, merely telling the stories from the host's point of view.
Some of these may sound unbelievable. I promise you it is the truth and nothing but the truth!
One guest who made me VERY uncomfortable was someone who was paranoid about electronic devices - cell phones, computers, televisions, and even the microwave. He booked a whole month and told us right from the outset that we wouldn't always be able to get hold of him on his phone because he only turns his phone and laptop on for short periods to do the necessary.
Hubby was one of the kindest and most patient men I ever knew, and invited him into the living room for a beer and a chat. That was a big mistake as this guest would talk non-stop and become very agitated.
He was obsessive and would say things like: 'They' were watching him; he could even hear 'Them' make 'zzzzzz' and 'ping' noises! I ran away to the kitchen as the talking became more frenzied. It was very unsettling!
His eccentricity and rash behaviour pushed his family and friends away. A lonely man with a kind heart, but he had major issues. Hubby and I felt for this lost soul.
One morning, he asked if we eat curry, and said I was not to cook that evening. He prepared a delicious fish curry, so good that I asked him for the recipe!
When he checked out, he gave both our staff members a very generous tip and left a beautiful thank-you card with an unexpected equally generous monetary gift for us as hosts as well!
Someone I will never forget, for good and uncomfortable moments.
We had a canine guest once; we unfortunately do not allow pets, but the guest explained they lived in an apartment, and the little pooch was well-trained. He took the doggie for walkies every afternoon, carrying his 'poop-scoop', so there was no mess! We were very impressed with this well-mannered young pooch.
I was not impressed when I gave them my biggest and best papaya after asking if they eat them.
We have vervet monkeys trooping through our garden some mornings or evenings, and they and the birds used to eat the papayas right at the top of the trees.
I have a sign that guests are not to feed the monkeys. The reason is that they are wildlife, and interaction with humans, especially feeding them, is not a good thing. Naturally, they will get used to us and approach anyone, even a child, thinking they will get food. We should not interfere with nature!
On their last night, we held a braai (BBQ) to say goodbye and treat them to a typical South African braai - they were international guests and stayed for quite a period.
I almost choked when they showed me videos of the monkeys feasting on that gorgeous papaya. They had placed it right outside the kitchen door so they could take close-up videos of the monkeys!
Needless to say, I was not impressed and had to bite my tongue; it was their last night, after all!
Guests book for a multitude of reasons - the majority are families and business guests.
The pool has been used for baptisms. We've seen two bachelorettes - the first one a disaster, and we swore, never again. Fast forward a couple of years later and a second one took place, arranged by a family member- an absolute pleasure!
Sportsmen come from all over - Bodybuilders who greeted me with pumped-up muscles and the tiniest Speedos when I took extra towels. Beer-for-breakfast Darts players who came for a National Competition - fortunately their manager ensured that it was lights out at 10 pm as it was a big competition. BMX riders and Ultra-distance Cyclists come annually. Comrades Marathon runners leave at 3 am to get to the start of the race; they come back with blistered toes and wobbly legs. Top school athletes from all over the country often stay to play Cricket, Rugby, Swim, etc., at local top schools, competing for a place in a team at provincial level.
We've hosted people from all walks of life - a high court judge, a UK-based Indian dance group who turned the cottage into a dressing room - they had a hectic schedule after all! A detective from an elite investigating unit stayed for a lengthy, very interesting period! We've sponsored a local dirt rock cover band as well as some of the sportsmen.
A devastated family whose home was destroyed in a mudslide during the flash floods in 2019 stayed for a couple of weeks. We part-sponsored their stay when they had to extend while they were looking for a rental.
Suffice to say, we've seen them all, as well as seen it all as well! Many stories will remain behind closed doors.
Our little Airbnb has been a tranquil retreat for many and the pool has seen many unwind after a busy day working or playing hard!
Wonderful people who came to stay here have touched my life for nearly ten years, and it's been an absolute blast!
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Artwork by @artywink
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