I had already decided on a family in Dubai. But still took another look at the host family profiles and found the profile of the host family in Melton. It moved me very much that the 76year old grandfather (Keith) is looking after his 10 year old grandson (Luke), who also lives with him, alone. Since the boy started school, the grandfather is the sole guardian. 2 years ago the grandmother also died and thus house, farm and grandson are the grandfather's responsibilty. I quickly cntacted the family and asked for a skype. My son was also there druing the skye and we could only finde out that both of them (grandfather and grandson, including Molly the cat) were very likeable, but we could hardly understand them. "Aussie-Slang".

I was accomodated very well here. Had a bedroom on the first floor, my own bathroom and television, so I could retire whenever i liked. Luke was and is a very happy child. The grandfather Keith a very positive person. I laughed so much in those three months as I haven't for a long time. But that also had a lot to do with all the language misunderstandings. Keith often went to Melbourne with me and showed me every park and a lot of sights. We were also there at night, so that I could see possums. Which also was a highlight for Luke. Keith had a lot of fun showing me the country and its inhabitatns.

I was able to fly to Tasmania during my stay. I saw the unbelievably lovely landscape, the Tasmanian devil, Wombats, the duck billed platypus, the spiny anteater

I saw Kangaroos big and small, koalas, snakes, cockatoos and much more.

I supported an Spanish family with two boys aged 3 1/2 and 5 1/2 from the beginning of October until just before Christmas 2014. The family was very welcoming.  It was my first stay in Spain and as the parents spoke German very well I always had a person to go to with my questions.
The children had a bit of difficulty speaking German, but were able to understand me. It was lovely to see how the children were enthusiastic about all activities like painting, crafting etc. D

I was in North Spain, do not speak any Spanish, but was able to manage with a few "crumbs" and some ENglish. When I was around and about alone at weekends I always met friendly, helpful and open people.

 And I also accepted the family's offers to accompany them on outings enthusiastically and often. Altogether I returned with loads of new and very good impressions and experiences.

I have gained such a lot from my Granny Aupair-stay!

 I spent one year in Canada as an au pair when I was 19, which I liked very much.
After my children flew the nest, I searched the Internet, only to discover that I was now definitely to old for an au pair placement.
 Discouraged, I gave up, looked for a job in my profession and traveled as often as possible. While I was living abroad two years ago, my brother sent me the link to the Granny Aupair website. I love the idea, but needed some time to rearrange my life that I could create a profile and to let myself into the procedure.

Within a short space of time I received several contact requests and decided quite quickly to travel to Ireland for six months and to look after the 4 month old baby of a musician couple. I quickly got used to life in Dublin and had a good rapport with the baby from the beginning. LAnguagewise it was less difficult than expected. All announcements in the bus, road signs and official inscriptions are in ENglish and Gaelic. I drive the car for short distances but I have not got quite used to driving on the left yet.

The baby is easy to care for and little love. The family is nice and generous. I live in the loft room and was able to choose the furniture myself. For both sides it is the first Granny Aupair placement.

I found everything as described in the family's profile and discussed on the phone. My hosts are reliable and keep to agreements. I feel very safe and in good hands.

In my generous free time I go on hikes and walks nearby: In the large, specially beautiful park, to the near hills (Dublin Mountains) or I take the bus to the city centre.

I am only at loggerheads with the weather gods. IN the first month the sun shone a lot and there was not a single drop of rain. After that the rainshowers were quite a few. I think I have never drunk so much tea and whisky in my life to get warm again, like in these Irish winter months. There is mostly strong to stormy winds. But if the sun shines, a woman can live a cosy life there.

I can refute all the dire predictions concerning bad coffee and food. There are fantastic things to buy, meat is good and cheap and I like cooking a lot in the well-equipped kitchen.

I can very well imagine accepting other Granny placements in future. 

My second "Granny Adventure" will be starting on January 6th 2016; I have been invited to a family in Marseille for some time, which I am really looking forward to.
And anyway I wanted to use this opportunity to send you my thanks for having this super idea with Granny Aupair. What a chance for everyone, who still loves to be on the move and to play a part in a family  - it is absolutely fanstatic!!!

Best wishes from Berlin

Gisela