I'm Francesca (but everyone calls me Fran), originally from the Veneto region of Italy.
I never felt at home in Italy, so I left quite young to travel the world, and I have never stopped. I haven't really done as much travelling as I would have liked, but over the years I have lived in several countries including the UK, New Zealand, Australia and Saudi Arabia.
I have had more jobs than years of life, but I have mostly been a language teacher, which has enabled me to have some amazing overseas experiences, especially in the Middle East.
I am married to John, but we do not have any children. John doesn't share my travel bug, so all my travelling has been done on my own, which I love.
When the pandemic started in early 2020, I was teaching in Uzbekistan, after spending several years working in Saudi Arabia. I was eventually able to make my way back to Australia, before the borders were closed.
Since the end of the pandemic, I have been doing more travelling and some casual teaching.
I signed up with TrustedHousesitters International in 2023, and I had some amazing house sitting in the UK, but none in Australia. I have just signed up with MindHome Australia.
I own a small house and garden here in Melbourne, where I am currently based. I am very fussy about house cleanliness and I love my small garden, but of course I wish I had a bigger one. Once upon a time in New Zealand, I had a vegetable garden, which was my pride and joy.
I grew up on a farm in Italy, so I really appreciate the value of simple, home grown food. I am a non-smoker, a vegetarian, and I love keeping fit. I used to do a bit of running, but now I do a lot of cycling and walking, and go to the gym regularly for yoga or pilates.
Having worked in schools all over the world, I am quite used to dealing with people from different cultures, and I am proud to say I have survived a lot of difficult situations on my own.
I am a lover of nature, plants, gardens, interesting places, historic houses and history in general.
I am interested in food from a health point of view. I do not mind cooking simple, healthy vegetarian meals, but I am not passionate about cooking.
I am a history graduate, and history, the arts and travelling are my main interests. Through house sitting, I hope to get further opportunities to learn more about other peoples' lives and interests, and to see more of the world.
I am not good with pets, but I love gardens and the outdoors.
I hate social media, so you will not find my profile anywhere.
