Daniel, with the exception of my pre-college years I’ve always lived in tourist-y places: San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Maui and of course Mexico. Paul and I got very good at playing host and for the most part loved it, though we’ve slowed down in past few years. We’ve always had extra beds and we by now can recite the best spots in our sleep. During the bookstore years I mentioned since we spoke English, many gringos and Canadians asked where to go so we’d help them plan itineraries. As 2 Geminis, we both like to chisme ): so it was fun. I can se your idea of a spreadsheet! Good idea. Bet it worked out great!!!
Love the idea of a spreadsheet but I think it all depends on the city.
Here in Ottawa, there are not a lot of "touristy" places. Sure, there are plenty of museums, and government buildings, but as Canada's capitol, not everyone wants to see the Parliament buildings.
When we host, it is usually for a specific event or festival. We are close to ski hills, so winter activities usually include skiing. In summer, cycling is popular.
It also depends on how strict the guests are with adhering to a schedule. If there's too much wine and scotch the night before, the next morning is shot - just saying.
I love hosting people! When we owned the Costa Rican hotel, obviously, we were hosting guests all the time and recommending activities to them about the wonders of our area, but I especially loved when friends or family came to stay so we could show them where we lived and experience it with them. I liked your checklist. When friends come to visit, they are able to get an ‘insiders’ view from their host that is different than the ‘touristy’ spots and that plus the time spent together is memorable!
What a great list of tips Daniel, thank you! I have yet to host my friends back home but I’ll be keeping these in mind when I finally do 😅 also I love the name of your blog!
Daniel, with the exception of my pre-college years I’ve always lived in tourist-y places: San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Maui and of course Mexico. Paul and I got very good at playing host and for the most part loved it, though we’ve slowed down in past few years. We’ve always had extra beds and we by now can recite the best spots in our sleep. During the bookstore years I mentioned since we spoke English, many gringos and Canadians asked where to go so we’d help them plan itineraries. As 2 Geminis, we both like to chisme ): so it was fun. I can se your idea of a spreadsheet! Good idea. Bet it worked out great!!!
Love the idea of a spreadsheet but I think it all depends on the city.
Here in Ottawa, there are not a lot of "touristy" places. Sure, there are plenty of museums, and government buildings, but as Canada's capitol, not everyone wants to see the Parliament buildings.
When we host, it is usually for a specific event or festival. We are close to ski hills, so winter activities usually include skiing. In summer, cycling is popular.
It also depends on how strict the guests are with adhering to a schedule. If there's too much wine and scotch the night before, the next morning is shot - just saying.
I love hosting people! When we owned the Costa Rican hotel, obviously, we were hosting guests all the time and recommending activities to them about the wonders of our area, but I especially loved when friends or family came to stay so we could show them where we lived and experience it with them. I liked your checklist. When friends come to visit, they are able to get an ‘insiders’ view from their host that is different than the ‘touristy’ spots and that plus the time spent together is memorable!
What a great list of tips Daniel, thank you! I have yet to host my friends back home but I’ll be keeping these in mind when I finally do 😅 also I love the name of your blog!