Ever since my time as an admissions counselor back in the mid-1990’s, I’ve been pretty firm about not staying in the homes of the people that host me. I normally find it very draining. Not only do I have to be “on” for my speaking, but I have to stay “on” for the whole time.
But last night, I was pleasantly reminded how nice it can be to stay with a family. My hosts were wonderful. And I was glad my daughter could see normal family life in another country. The free Wifi was a plus too. 🙂
We had a wonderful night of fish-and-chips on the beach with two other families. Just hanging out in another country with people being “real” is great. It happens to a point at conferences but it was even more authentic on the beach Saturday night.
I think my daughter and I both benefited from the “normal-ness” of being around a family too. We are definitely missing the three other Pitmans back home. So the hub-bub of siblings and parents was a welcome change to the hostel and apartment we’d been in.
I know myself well enough to know that it’s not in my best interests or my client’s best interests for me to make a habit of staying with them at their home. But it is nice to do every now and then.