Iโm sure weโve all had those moments after guests leave, whe...
Latest reply
Iโm sure weโve all had those moments after guests leave, when we start tidying up and discover something unexpected. From qui...
Latest reply
This story is dedicated to Purvi, a lovely Airbnb guest, and to Airbnb for bringing us together.
Anna woke up feeling refreshed; she drew the blinds, and quickly jumped out of bed. The bright rays of the sun came shining in. The night had been so restful in the cozy room at the 'Traveller's Terrace Oasis,' her homestay in Mumbai - the City that Never Sleeps. How ironic!
She showered, dressed, and began brushing her hair. Looking around the room at the colourful space, her gaze fell upon the little artifacts sitting on tiny shelves all seaming to say "Aren't you so happy here?" A wooden clock, a modern nightligt, a straw basket, and some interesting books amidst a rather large bougainvillea elephant. Instantly she understood now, why the room was called exactly that!
While grabbing her mobile from the worktable, she noticed three handpainted pictures all in watercolour placed carefully beneath the glass top of the table. The paintings were titled, 'Breakfast,' 'Lunch,' and 'Dinner' and were signed (Purvi R.) by the skilled artist who had described what exactly was served plate.
This made Anna feel sudden hunger pains. "How long have I been on an empty stomach?" she thought.
"Good afternoon Anna," said her host. "I am guessing you overslept. You must have been exhausted; please join us for lunch."
"Lunch?!"
"Yes its 2 pm. You missed your breakfast."
Anna loved the food, it wasn't just the taste of the rice or the spice in the curry, it was the flavours of the experience that felt special. "So much to be grateful for," she thought. One of our greatest fortunes is how we react to things. She was overwhelmed.
Anna had felt kindness. Her stay was more than just comfortable, hygienic, peaceful, and safe... it was an overdose of emotion. She understood why the three paintings had taken such a significant place in the room.
Like Anna, Purvi too, had simply relished the home-cooking at the homestay. She had expressed herself about it in her reviews, saying how gracious the hosts were to serve her some of her favourite little dishes. Especially the tamarind chutney.
It was Purvi who had posted these epic artworks that spoke so much. Much more than the food itself.
Food is an experience and surely hosting has the unique feature of bringing people together through memorable moments sharing meals and conversations. Besides offering guests' accommodation, a comfortable space with exceptional amenities, it also offers them the opportunity to make incredible friendships. It introduces them to new cultures and insightful information on history, art, music, architecture, and cuisine.
In my journey as a host, I discovered the importance of the moments around my dining table as the most meaningful. I was fully convinced that a home-cooked meal will instantly welcome the guest in a way that nothing else can. So, hospitality and food go hand in hand, agree?
Confirming this were the reviews from guestsโ I have hosted, who have often spoken of hot lunches, yummy dinners, and tasty breakfasts... โall so delicious!โ
Niharika from Delhi reviewed her stay by complimenting the meals served: โI was spoiled silly with the fresh warm breakfast and the finger-licking delicacies that they would churn out for lunch.โ
After reading so many compliments on the 'love of eating together,' I was convinced that the food connection brings people worldwide together with an almost irrefutable idea of a good time.
Gina from California: โFrom the moment we stepped through the doorway we were greeted like old friends and shown the sort of hospitality that left us at a loss for words (perhaps also due in part to our mouths being full of delicious homemade food!)โ
Going back to Purvi's story, I was excited when she said that she was due to revisit my city. She wanted to book the room again and bring her friend, Tulna along. Perfect I thought, and was looking forward to cooking up a storm to greet these two young ladies on their arrival. Recipes, ingredients, menus all popped up in my mind. It was going to be another opportunity to meet and eat and stay together.
Purvi and Tulna brought a bag of snacks from Baroda, some chocolate fudge and brownies - the brand I love the most.
She had also baked a lemon and almond cake to share for my daughter's birthday. It smelt divine. Her visit again was celebrated around the table. Eating, laughing, and enjoying the best of each other's company and most of all sharing food. Another 5 star review.
More food for thought.
