Housesitting in Switzerland

Next spot was absolutely fabulous - remembering we are a NZ couple who are based in the UK for a few years and want to enjoy seeing some of what Europe has to offer.  There are some gorgeous countries just over the channel and so accessible.

So when we were offered an apartment in Switzerland for ten days over Christmas we jumped at the chance.  There were lots of other places coming available over the Christmas period but really did seem like that chance for the long awaited 'White Christmas'.  Good to remember that this certainly is a great time of year to find Housesits as everybody wants a break from a miserable cold winter and or wants to be together with families in some other part of the world.

Richard's place was a little slice of heaven, on the edge of Lake Geneva in Nyon,  just a few miles out of Geneva.  He kindly picked us up from the airport and also took us across the border to France to do some grocery shopping.  We had been told that Switzerland is 'eye wateringly' expensive so were very ready to take advice from the locals.  That really is one of the wonderful things about having a wee bit of time with the owners of the house, before they head away.  A little local knowledge can go a long way and you can make the most of the time spent there.  Being introduced to a couple of local friends can be another bonus!!

We also made a wonderful discovery, just a few metres from our doorstep.  A little corner store with a plentiful supply of what Switzerland does so well - wine, cheese and chocolate, all at fabulous prices so who could ask for more?

The apartment was very European in styling, sleek and minimumlistic, but cosy and comfortable with only the pot plants to look after.   The view across the lake was stunning and when the clouds lifted the Alps looked spectacular.  We did awake to snow covered houses and streets one morning but sadly the White Christmas was not to be.

In Nyon, the Christmas decorations were all up and the streets were abuzz with action, markets full of wonderful foods, Christmas goodies and a glass of warm Gluhwein to warm the insides.   Then we hoped on the train and were in Geneva within twenty minutes admiring all those real luxury items that Switzerland its reknown for.

We also doned our cold weather gear, filled the backpack with some goodies and headed out on some glorious walks. Sometimes the blessing of not having a car means you just explore where you are and in this case it was magical.  We even made it up the mountain to a quaint village, along with its own small ski resort.  Rather fun as we left in bright sunshine and were walking on dry ground down near the lake but by the time we reached the top were in knee high snow - thank goodness we were at least wearing water proof shoes and did have a sense of humour.  We caught the cog train down and enjoyed a glorious view, perhaps next time it might be the other way around!!

Housesitting - how we got started.

We'd decided it was time to see more of the world again, and wanted to spend at least two or three years away. We were lucky enough to have a five year visa to the U.K. and were keen to make the most of our time being so close to Europe.

Scotland

Nyon, Switzerland

Housesitting had been talked and read about, seemed like a fun option that might just work for us.

   

Highland Cattle

This could be just the opportunity we need to take us to all sorts of different places, meet some new and interesting people and discover a new life outside our usual environment.

Tobermory on Mull

First step of getting started was getting into the system.  There are a number of websites that we registered with, getting references, police reports etc.  They all have a steady flow of house sitting positions all around the world but we wanted mainly the UK and Europe.  We put a profile together and started applying for what took our fancy.

They offer sits in all sorts of places and with a huge variety of animals and responsibilities.  But we had quite a definite plan in mind as to what we were doing over here and how we'd like things to pan out.

Early spring in Sussex

We're both very happy to look after almost any type of animal, coming from years of farming in New Zealand.  The only one I drew the line at, or perhaps for now anyway, was snakes and reptiles but of course David says we can do it!!!  He's a never say 'No' kind of chap, but we may have to have the instruction book out in that case and there's always google!

So here we are almost twelve months down the track, loving it and enjoying some wonderful experiences.

Pack of Hounds in Scotland

We've also got some fabulous jobs through an agency that deals with animal orientated sits throughout the UK, but more about that later.

Clara

Our first sit was the result of a great friend chatting with a friend of hers. You know the way we girls network - "Oh I've got these great friends from NZ who are ..............."   Julie turned out to be an absolute delight and has become a wonderful friend.  She has a gorgeous flat in Edinburgh that needed to be looked after for seven weeks and even better a cat Sooty who needed lots of love, food and attention.  What a beauty to start with - it's in a wonderful part of the  city, so close that everything is in walking distance.

Fettes School , Edinburgh

Holyrood House, Edinburgh

Nick in Edinburgh

Sooty

Sooty was an absolute delight and did take great pleasure in presenting us with a wee mouse as gift at least once a week.  One evening she managed to sneak through the sitting room door, which lead to the hall and bedroom, and let her terrified little fury friend free.  I think it was all a bit of a game until it managed to hide under a dresser and then all hell let loose - so Dave and Nick to the rescue.  That was the only one I ever saw alive, otherwise we were greeted most mornings by blood and guts or a headless little body.  Sooty so proud of herself and expecting us to feel the same way.