Little did I know some eight years ago when hubby and I set up our Airbnb, that this would become my dream job post-retirement, and keep me sane after losing the love of my life.
We eventually registered as a BnB as per our municipal regulations.
Over the years we have built up a good relationship with many returning guests, who say the cottage is their second home.
Somehow Lily's Cottage attracts the most wonderful guests, and my circle of friends has grown much wider.
We changed our focus to business guests, those attending functions and events, and expats visiting family, post-COVID, natural disasters, and rioting, which hurt tourism.
Most of our bookings come through a local training centre, who made us their preferred provider for trainees from further afield.
It's been an absolute pleasure getting to know the young men whose companies book their accommodation, and as their training is done in stages, we see them twice a year for periods of about three weeks. They usually qualify after two to three years.
Many take me under their wings since losing Arthur, lending a helping hand, or giving advice on maintenance issues, if my gardener-cum-maintenance man is unsure.
We also get to meet sportsmen and women.
The annual ultra-marathon, The Comrades, which attracts athletes from all over the world, brings guests to just about every BnB in town! Their friends and clubmates also travel from afar and form a crew to support them along the way.
This year the distance was 85.9 kilometres, and there were over 20 000 runners.
Everyone needs accommodation, and we had two bookings from very supportive crew members.
Imagine running for 12 hours, which is the cut-off period, for the stragglers, but it is every marathon runner's dream to run this race which sees much camaraderie between runners and enthusiastic support from crowds along the route.
I find it fascinating hearing how different people celebrate; and getting to see the fabulous outfits they wear when I'm asked to take photos of the guests on their way to events or celebrations.
Our garden is really lovely with a pool, which is why I was asked if a family member could host a....
I was hesitant as we do not host functions.
We accepted a booking for a small bachelorette a couple of years ago, and afterwards said "the first, and the last", everything was sticky the day after, and that was after they 'cleaned!
I've seen the 'bridesmaid-cum-party planner' grow up in front of my eyes, so agreed. But, one gets a tad concerned when the champers arrive, and there's a possibility that one or two girlies may get a tad exuberant, especially when you have neighbours.
I called the neighbours to warn them of a little party, but they're easygoing and said not to worry, the girls must have fun.
The theme was Mama Mia, so the cottage and pool area was the perfect setting.
Cousin's daughter was super-organised, everything was prepared the day before, kitchen-tea decor was done, party decor set aside, eats were pre-packed, champers and fruit punch put on ice, ready for the next day.
The pre-wedding celebrations started with a demure Kitchen Tea, to which the Moms, Aunts, and Grannies were invited.
The older generation left, and it was time to set up for the real party for the gals!
I was disappointed as I could not hear any Mama Mia music in my bedroom, only heard laughter and chattering. I did hear the music when D sent me a video they compiled of the fun party.
If all bachelorettes were like this, small and just a fun time with no one misbehaving, I would consider small celebrations, but, not everyone is D and her awesome friends.
It's been a busy couple of months, and I am super thankful that the business is doing well, and brings old friends back here time and time again.
They don't even know it, but they have been lifesavers in more ways than one!
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