Two fabulous sits—share yours?

[Hiya]

As I’ve posted about bad sits before, I also want to share two great sits I’ve done recently, which I believe are due to me being more of a veteran of the platform. I’m hitting my stride!

Right now I’m on a multi-week sit in the suburbs of a major international city. The house is nice and big with plenty of privacy and creature comforts, while still connected to neighbors and a small town with a train station, all walkable from the front door. The train takes about 30 minutes to get to the edge of the city. The weather is great, the dog is extremely chill, I can play music loudly, I can stay up late working on my laptop, I can sit in the sun in the backyard, there are forested parks nearby for jogging, food is cheap…it’s really ideal! I’ve been very productive, work-wise.

Before this I did a sit in a different major city, more inside the urban zone in a flat with a small dog. This dog was game to go everywhere with me, which made sitting a lot more fun. He came on the bus, the metro, to all the parks and never got tired or misbehaved. He met some of my friends and made everything more fun. People loved him and chatted us up all the time.

One thing I love about great sits—they let you sort of try out living in different places. Once you feel how it is to be in these lifestyles you can really decide which place and style of home is your favorite!

What have been your favorite sits? Any that were game changers for you in a good way?

[Maggie8K]

I’ve had so many great sits, it’s hard to choose.

Like I did a repeat sit in Stratford-upon-Avon, which I find idyllic. Terrific hosts. My favorite dog ever. Beautiful home and garden. History and Shakespeare. Charming town an easy walk away, along a beautiful river. Countless postcard-like views.

The dog and I went everywhere together — hop on, hop off tour bus, river cruise, Ferris wheel ride, historic pubs and restaurants. Even afternoon tea.

My hosts asked whether I wanted specific groceries and gave me bottles of wine.

They met me at a hotel after I’d done sightseeing for my first sit and dropped me off post-sit at my next village for sightseeing. The second time, they met me and dropped me off at the train station. They even asked whether I wanted to be picked up an hour+ away.

Right before sitting there the first time, I did a London sit where I won over a skittish cat, who turned out to be quite lovable. His primary human was Italian, so I spoke broken Italian to the cat and played him opera and classical music, which I also happen to enjoy.

The flat was crazy convenient to the Tube, countless sights, shops, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and more. I ate like a king.

We got along exceedingly well over a lunch they cooked and they invited me back for a thank-you meal later, while I’d switched to a hotel for sightseeing.

I’m on a vacation-like sit now in Florida with the sweetest, gentlest dog. Mellow and low care.

The resort-like retirement community is huge, with a ridiculous number of activities and daily entertainment. Lush, well-manicured landscaping and lots of open space and golfing.

My hosts got me a pass, so I can use all amenities. They also offered me a car, golf cart and bike, and told me to eat whatever I like. They also left loads of info on places to see, shop or dine at, as well as nearby road trips, because they want me to enjoy my stay.

They even replaced all the linens in the master suite and had me move in, because they wanted me to enjoy the comfiest room and bath, with a view of the garden.

They shared airport shuttle info unasked and gave me more than enough to cover the $80USD round trip, all unasked. And they met me at the drop-off spot and treated me to a lovely dinner out, as well as breakfast and lunch at home before they left.

Now, I’m enjoying the sunroom with the dog, looking onto their butterfly garden.

[Maggie8K]

Game-changing sit: I did one with a lovable dog and great hosts in an area where I used to live.

It was the first time I’d been back since moving across the U.S. and it helped me realize how much I missed it. I called my husband and within a minute we’d agreed to move back. (We both telecommute and have only one dog, so we’re easily mobile.)

I started house hunting and ended up buying the fourth one I saw. We moved back a couple of months later and love our neighborhood. It’s lush and relaxing, yet 10 minutes from shopping and dining and a nice old town area. We’re about 30 to 45 minutes from city center.

I did a great sit there about a week ago. Two gorgeous, sweetheart cats who loved to snuggle. Their plush high-rise condo had beautiful views and was walking distance to everything.

I also was able to get delicious meals and treats delivered easily, since they had a concierge. And they let me park in their garage.

After our sit, they offered me five others, though I had conflicts.

I plan to do more sits in the city center. That way, I get an urban experience in contrast with my suburban homes. My hosts would get the advantage of a f/t telecommuter who won’t be sightseeing.