Sorry to hear your worst experiences were in Australia @Newpetlover. When it comes to generosity and gratitude, I think its not so much cultural as it is universal
We’re the 3rd sitters (with THS at least) for these hosts. Other reviews mentioned “unexpected extra touches” like lending warm clothes in winter. We’ll thank them privately about going above and beyond but probably not put it in our review, or if we do, we’ll add it in more general terms (which is part of the reason why I thought this part of hospitality might be a hidden secret! )
I love your observation - it really is a about personal character I think just being appreciated within an equitable exchange will be our baseline for a great experience. Plus the dogs are the cutest!
Just throwing it out there @DeeMcC & @ziggy that Turkey has something very close to Twisties that keep our Ozzie visitors very happy (ran into one only a few weeks ago and she had four packs in her beach bag ). Remind me to stock up if you ever reach these lands! #twistiestreatsinturkey
The worst and the best with THS, both ends. But the overall Australia experience was great. I loved the country and the people and made good friends. I wish it were closer so I could visit often.
PS. I also got my Tim Tams treats
Haha, thanks for the heads up @Cuttlefish! Turkey has DEFINITELY been on our wish list for years, and now even more so! I might have to plan an international house sitting itinerary around “cultural snack foods closest to twistees”
Welcome!
In my experience, yes most homeowners are kind and generous. You can tell a great deal about people with a video chat ahead of accepting the sit.
Also, if I’m in an area where I’m applying for another sit I offer to meet them in person ahead of time. I’ve dodged a bullet or two with this. I’ve also met some of my favorite sits this way. Sometimes a pet, home or homeowner are nothing like it looked like online.
Happy sitting!
At risk of going off topic, @ziggy I’ll try and find the name here Didn’t see them in Georgia in June but was too busy eating other things Food & wine is amazing!! Message me if you want some tips @DeeMcC hope to see you in the homeland soon #turkishtwistiestogetherness
My first sit was in Edinburgh many many years ago and the HOs left me 100 GBP for food and treats for myself, which was super generous and basically covered all my food for the 2 week sit. I’ve not had another HO leave me money like that but I’ve generally had them tell me to make myself welcome to anything in the fridge/freezer/pantry, which I only very very rarely do and then replace.
I also prefer that they not shop for me as I can be a little picky both about WHAT I eat, but also about the condition, so I prefer to buy my own stuff so I know it’s something I like. Like one HO told me they wanted to stock the fridge and was going to buy x, y, and z (ex: “staples” like bread, milk, yogurt) for me. I let them know that I appreciated their thoughtfulness but I actually don’t eat x, y, or z and tend to eat more of a, b, and c (meat, veggies, fruit), but that they really don’t need to stock anything for me as I’m happy to do my own shopping. It was dumb on my part to mention what I do eat because they ended up buying forms of a, b, and c that I don’t like or eat (chicken legs - don’t like, zucchini - hate, bananas - make me gag) so then it was all hogging space in the freezer that I could have used for food I’d actually eat. It was a nice thought but actually made things MORE difficult for me vs easier.
Oh my gosh, another Aussie! If you’re ever in Orange, NSW @temba The Sugar Mill has the best vanilla slice ever!! If I lived there, I’d be addicted to a weekly visit
If so it’s one of my favorite things and is available all over central and eastern Europe. One of my favorite places to have it is in Sarajevo but there’s also an amazing bakery that does it in Split.
@CreatureCuddler yes those slices are delicious and creamy. Ours in Oz are much firmer though, not as creamy and more a firm, gelatinous texture. Some places do them creamy but the original and much loved slice is the firmer one, though I would kill for either Oh, and I think everything is great in Sarajevo lol
Now I want some. Maybe I should add it to my list of things to make on my next sit if I have guests come (otherwise I’ll eat it all myself ). It’s already on my list of dishes to learn how to make. lol
)
). Remind me to stock up if you ever reach these lands! 
Didn’t see them in Georgia 
in June but was too busy eating other things 
Maybe I should add it to my list of things to make on my next sit if I have guests come (otherwise I’ll eat it all myself 
). It’s already on my list of dishes to learn how to make. lol