VizEat in Paris Hosted the Largest Shared Meal in The World...

On November 12th, my blog partner VizEat (having also just celebrated gaining their 10,000th host) welcomed over 1,000 Airbnb guests in Paris as part of Airbnb's Open-- hosting the largest shared meal in the world with 110 different nationalities attending the event! The Open provided an opportunity for the Airbnb host community to gather in one place and connect with their fellow hosts from around the globe. Paris is now the top destination in the world for home sharing on Airbnb, with more people sharing their homes with guests from around the world than in any other city. 

VizEat hosts showed real hospitality by whipping up delicious meals and creating authentic experiences around Parisian dinner tables that I'm sure were unforgettable! Who would think in just 24 hours, the beautiful City of Lights would be under multiple terrorist attacks with heinous and incomprehensible acts against humanity.... From one night of mass social meal sharing welcoming travellers and new friends into homes to the next-- a state of emergency declaration with temporary controls at the border. My heart aches and I pray for the safety and healing of my VizEat family of hosts, guests and the people of France. At the same time, I'm mourning the loss of lives and freedom. My hope is that we will all regain physical and moral strength soon. The only heartening thing at times like this is knowing how we also help each other...

Let fear not immobilize us but yet let us rejoice in that most people are good-- they open their hearts and homes to strangers in need, and they risk their lives to save others! On November 12th, a special thing happened--  more than 1,000 people from over 110 nationalities were welcomed to dine in Parisian homes-- that's a beautiful thing and should be celebrated and also not forgotten! Here is a glimpse of what went on behind the scenes...

Photo Credits: VizEat

The world stands in solidarity with you France! 

Praying for world peace and an end to so much suffering for victims everywhere!

Calling All Culinary Foodies--- Those Who Love to Cook and Entertain....

Have you ever wondered what it'll be like to host like the French? Now you can...

I am delighted to announce that my blog has partnered with VizEat- a website for "culinary encounters" for people to offer, discover and book authentic meals at local homes around the world. For those looking to discover new cultures, meet new people and share unique moments around a meal as a guest or a host, Vizeat is the new platform to make possible this new "off the beaten path" way to travel. This authentic experience is largely adopted by the French, with 72% wishing to share a meal at a local home during their next trip and 55% willing to host travellers at their home around a meal according to a Toluna on-line survey conducted in France in May 2014. VizEat's free insurance covers both hosts and guests, with member profiles being validated every time, providing a peaceful mind on both sides to enjoy the experience.

If you like to meet new people from different walks of life and like to share a real moment around your home-cooked meal whether it be in your home, at a park for a picnic, in your cooking school or includes a local walk before coming back for tea and baked goods, it's up to you... Surveys in the UK and France show that for the guests, the key factor is first to meet authentic people and second to have a nice meal. How VizEat's concept works is as a host, you post your menu, set the price, and receive 100% of the price of the meal when you get a reservation. An additional user fee of 15% is paid by the guest when he books the meal. Why should travellers eat at a local restaurant when there's so much to gain from connecting and dining at yours?

Travellers are more and more interested to meet locals and learn about culture and food from the inside. What better way to have that mutual cultural exchange than with a proud meal you prepared and to showcase the genuine hospitality of your home and your country. Welcome!

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me via email or provide a comment here with your inquiries. Know someone who would love this experience, please pass it along....

Carol's dinner in St. Germain des Prés, France

Samuel's brunch in Berlin, Germany

Authentic and cultural encounters around a meal, all around the world!