We are a professional (academic and teacher), well-travelled, easy-going but reliable and responsible couple from Australia where we own our own home. We are in our late forties and have recently become empty nesters so are taking ten months off work to travel and experience different parts of the world. In Feb/March 2013 we house sat for a month in New York and have house sat for friends in the UK and Australia. We are fit and active and are keen gardeners, with our own vegetable garden at home. We have had our own cats, dogs and chickens so are experienced at caring for - and loving! - pets too.