Can anyone direct me in what to click on to become a host of...
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Can anyone direct me in what to click on to become a host of an EXPERIENCE? I'm going in circles on the site as it keeps lead...
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This article is part of the Community Center's Festival of Hospitality 2022 . The original topic was posted in the Spanish-speaking Community Center by @Carmen807, and we have translated it below.
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My Airbnb retirement plan, hosting children and pets in Peru."
Being an Airbnb hostess in my country house in Lunahuaná, Peru, is my retirement project and the opportunity to continue supporting the development of children and enjoying their company.
I am an early childhood educator and have worked for 40 years in early childhood education and protection, progressively getting involved in complex issues such as violence or child abuse.
When I was 55 years old, I decided to quit and start a business that would sustain me in the future by supplementing my small pension in a developing country. It was a big challenge, but I was very much supported by the experience I integrated into my hosting: children are the center of life, their joy and well-being are my motivation, and so I managed to make my space child-friendly.
Altarpieces Peru has 5 rooms and two of them are family rooms, the beds are painted in fun colors, they have cheerful blankets and I always give them stories or comic books. Reading a story is the best way to close a good day and invite sleep for a wonderful rest.
Fantasy through play:
In the shared area, we have a life-size playhouse where there are many toys, such as a kitchen, pots, vegetables, baskets, and even pretend money. There the children cook, sell their products, invite their parents for "a little coffee", or turn it into a fire station. Everything your imagination wants, having fun with each other a lot. Play in children is part of their nature; everything playful makes them enjoy themselves and be happy.
Enjoying nature:
Being in a rural area, we have access to the Cañete River where you can enjoy its warm waters, look for tadpoles among the stones, throw stones, competing with each other to see who gets the furthest, play in the mud, and of course, have a good swim. Near the river area, I offer children buckets and shovels so that their creativity can take them wherever they want. An invitation to go for a dip in the river, of course.
In our orchard, we have many fruit trees such as medlar, apple, mango and peach trees, as well as grapes and bananas. Depending on the season, children can harvest and enjoy the fruit fresh from the ground. They will always have harvest baskets nearby to cheer them up and enjoy the fruit fresh from the tree.
A good cuddle with the Carlotas:
Our hens, apart from laying eggs, are very friendly with children, they are used to being touched and petted. Picking up the hot eggs is such an exciting surprise. It's beautiful to see a little girl carrying a chicken for the first time.
Pet friendly
We welcome our guests' pets with 'coexistence agreements': be vaccinated, be friendly with other guests, bring their own beds to sleep in, pick up after them, and pay extra for disinfection, among other things. It's a nice experience for everyone because more and more families have pets and integrate them into their travels. Our rescued pets, two female dogs and two female cats are very grateful to us and to those who show them affection. We can confidently allow children to cuddle and play with them, knowing that they will never hurt them.
The most beautiful thing is that they are integrated with the guests' pets, there is a lot of mutual connection between them. Although there is always a jealous one... it ends well.
Knead the dough AIRBNB Experiences
Little by little, we are offering pizzas where the children also participate; they help to knead dough and add the ingredients to their liking. It's a cost-free experience now, and we're testing the reception of guests.
Some challenges:
We always hope that children from different families will integrate with each other, sharing games and toys.
Matias, my 4-year-old grandson is my co-host and he helps me a lot, he tells the guests about all the attractions we have, and he invites them to play or to go and see the chickens.
Sometimes parents relax and leave them alone outdoors, time to 'keep an eye on them', and also intervene if there is a little fight between them. I always motivate them to share, play or create. The good news is that I get the kids to trust me.
Some reviews:
Mommy, is Carmen my aunt? Many times I have heard that question from some boy or girl, and it means that they feel trust in me and that I have achieved a bond of friendship and trust with them. It's amazing how being a host has let me meet many children, and continue to enjoy their company.
@Carmen807 Oh probably my most favorite post on the CC community center ever. Oh, how I love everything about what you are doing, have done and how you connect on every level with children, pets, nature, and teaching & exploring the world in such a real and natural way. You have given me hope- real hope and I love the way you are approaching all of it. Very naturally, organically.....oh thanks for sharing your post. I needed to read this today.
I sense the almost shameful distractions in families (esp. with parents) all over the world due in a big part to social media and I think young folks are not feeling connected, belonging and open to explore the world and learn all that will bring them great joys in their lives.
YOU have the fix, the answer, back to the ways I which I was raised, climbing trees, collecting eggs, exploring nature, riding horses and learning all about the world in real life with fingers, toes and all. Fully present
Not through a screen where people get to quickly say they don't Like something - and work to be what they think people want them to be.
Again, thanks for sharing and your retirement plan is fabulous.
I want to join you.....oh, I loved Peru when I was there many years back. Machu Picchu was mind blowing and everything about the people in Peru, I recall so much as it has been etched into my mind and heart.
Many blessings and happy retirement, Clara
@Carmen807 Love your article and reason for hosting. Relationship building and giving back is what I love the most about hosting. Some day I would love to visit but till then Love from Texas ~ Carmen
お待ちしています
お会いしましょう
Muchísimas gracias por tus palabras tan afectuosas
Espero algún día vuelvas a Perú y conozcas Lunahuaná
Abrazo grande
Carmen
Sí, ese es mi deseo con certeza. Quizás algún día nos encontremos. gran abrazo
@Carmen807 Este es un tema encantador! Muchas gracias por compartirlo con todos! 🤩
Loved it!
Beautiful post! Being a new Airbnb host and having recently gone on a volunteering trip supporting indigenous children in Guatemala, I found your story particularly inspiring!
Wonderful! Some day I would love to visit, till then Love from South Korea ❤️👋
お待ちしています
Very endearing and I believe it will be even more rewarding!!!!
@Carmen807 I love your article and especially your experiences with the children, nature, and the chickens. I have a large backyard and plan to take care of chickens while continuing do my gardening. I would love to visit Peru in the near future.
Wow, the natural beauty of life one with nature. So simple and beautiful especially for the kids. Enjoy retirement and continue to add fulfillment to so many kids
Wow, the natural beauty of life. So beautiful what you’re doing the joy and fulfillment to the kids and their parents. Enjoy retirement and continue providing such wonderful accommodations to your guests