Running my own Airbnb for just over eight years post-retirement has been a dream come true!
However, there have been some scary times.
Our unstable and corrupt government has failed to maintain basic infrastructure.
Add to the equation freak storms, and you have a recipe for disaster.
e-Coli was found in the seawater at Durban's main beaches, naturally affecting the health of bathers who ignored warnings.
Tourism was hit the hardest.
The year-end holidays is the busiest period for tourism, but we had some cancellations. Fortunately, last-minute bookings filled my calendar, but there were uneasy moments and no one to share my concerns with.
We had our Elections on Wednesday, and the ruling party lost a 30-year parliamentary majority.
What the future holds on the political front, still is uncertain.
The process of winding up hubby's estate and the exorbitant costs associated with that still is cause for concern, so I have to be careful.
Bookings were slow when 2024 kicked off, but we still ended with just over 70% average occupancy rate for the first five months. May's occupancy shot up to 85%, and June already looks promising with long-term business guests extending their stay till 30 June.
We only have two units, so do not have huge overheads like many other establishments, some who had to close their doors; COVID started the rot!
Powering up
I have managed to power up every month except 1 May, as some Estate costs were looming, and I needed backup.
Today, I'm happy to say I was able to do a nice power-up. Ended up doing two - first a round figure of 500 HP, but I decided to power up a further 57 HP, so I'm now HODL'ing 17,802 HP.
I should be able to hit my target of 18,000 HP on 1 July!
Why do we power up
@hivebuzz explains Why we participate in the Hive PUD:
The first reason is to have fun and get a Power Up badge!
Strengthen your influence on the blockchain with stronger votes on content, proposals and witnesses.
Earn more curation rewards. The more Hive Power you have, the more you can potentially earn back
Earn "interest" by holding Hive Power. You will also earn HIVE passively at about 3% per year of what you currently have powered up so the more HIVE you have, the more you can earn from just holding!
Finally, several amazing members are offering prizes that include delegations, Hive giveaways, and other cool stuff to the Hive PUD participants.
One of these initiatives is The Fab Four - something @fionasfavourites did on her own for a long while, but now has grown to four of us.
Fiona tirelessly does this every month despite her big loss, exactly a year ago.
(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Thank you to everyone who supports me here on Hive, and a big hug to all my special Hive friends for the encouragement during the most awful period of my life. ♥
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Despite not knowing what the new political scene may bring, a change from a governing body that put themselves first and the citizens they represented second, hopefully, will improve many of the conditions that have plagued your area for so long.
Dear Lizelle, you have dealt with so much over the past year and still, you persevere with such class.
Donna Ashworth's words speak so much truth, words that will come into play for all of us that love so deeply.
Thank you my friend, I do often think of you and Robin, and have read about her fears of losing you. Knowing how close you are, I fully understand it.
You are both such an inspiration to many of us here on Hive!
There are a couple of things that I'm thankful for; I know I will meet my Arthur one day, in another realm if course. I also realized early on, that I'm at least saving him the pain of having to deal with losing me. I never knew just how bad it would be!
As for the political scene, I think we're in for a rough ride, here in our province especially, as the new party that won by a big margin in KZN, can be very militant.
We can only pray.
I truly appreciate the sincere encouragement from both you and Robin ever since that awful day. It will be a year next month!
Fiona lost her husband last year 5 June, so it's a difficult time for her.
Just recently, Robin has expressed this fear to me, not knowing how she could live if I were to pass. She tells me that she hopes she goes first. Knowing that this notion of me passing and her worrying about that is very unsettling. I can understand her concern and remind her that our four children would be there for her at every turn.
This line from Desiderata is one of my favorites. (But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.) It's a stark reminder to live in the moment and not worry about what may happen in the future.
Losing one's soulmate and the pain that follows can never be truly realized until that devastating time comes. We are the fortunate ones because we loved beyond words and because of that, great suffering will follow.
Thank the Lord for our children, without them who would we turn to?
The passing of time doesn't heal all it just takes some of the pain and puts it on the back burner.
I wish both Fiona and yourself can find some peace of mind during these times and allow fond memories of the men you so loved to wash over you.
Peace be with you, my friend!
Congratulations @lizelle! You received a personal badge!
Participate in the next Power Up Day and try to power-up more HIVE to get a bigger Power-Bee.
May the Hive Power be with you!
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Thank you so much @hivebuzz!
Congratulations on participating in the PUD @lizelle. 💪🐝
Nice! Good going @lizelle! I'm glad things are okay over at the Airbnb <3
Thank you @honeydue <3