Fact Sheets & Video - Los Angeles

House-sitting is taking the world by storm as a concept that is mutually beneficial to both home owner and sitter. The home owner gets their home, pets and gardens cared for while they're away and the house sitter gains rent free accommodation in return for minor household duties.

If the concept sounds like something you'd like to get involved in then it's as easy as registering your details with a reputable service like HouseCarers. You fill in details and specify an area that you would like to go, if you have somewhere in mind. The wording of the application is also important because you are in theory competing with everyone else who has registered and need to convince the home owner that you will be suitable to look after their home. If you have experience, say so, if you can provide references, have a history with animals or other desirable skills, say so. Be honest, say a little about yourself, why you wish to be a house sitter and why the home owner should choose you ahead of others available.

Once you have been chosen to sit for someone, an agreement is arranged between you and the homeowner as to bills, what chores will be expected of you, and various other points that you both may want to include.

Tom's base for his LA holiday is the home of David Burkitt and his pampered poodle Francois, who Tom will be looking after as part of his stay. The condo is 5 minutes out of Hollywood in Los Feliz and behind his condo you'll find all the big celebrity houses. Lording it above the bustle in its dignified hillside perch is the city's most recognisable landmark, the Hollywood Sign, built in 1923 as an advertising gimmick for a real estate development called Hollywoodland. East of the Hollywood Sign you'll find the neighbourhood of Los Feliz which has developed into quite the bohemian-chic enclave with fun and funky shopping, nightlife and a hopping cuisine scene.

Stocking up the house is probably one of the first things you'll want to do, and in LA the Farmers Market is the place to go. It's been running since 1934 when a group of farmers pulled up their trucks and started selling their produce from the trays. Over the past sixty years tourists have discovered the markets and they have grown into a more formal complex now listed as a Los Angeles Cultural and Historical Landmark, drawing over three million visitors a year. It is a real LA mixing pot, with patrons often having to double take as Hollywood celebrities stroll through to buy their meats and veggies, while tourists peruse the various outlets. Although the market has stayed true to its roots with more than 90% of the stores owner-operated, it has also expanded over the years. There are now clothing stores, magazine and book sellers, gift stores, restaurants and waterholes. And of course the grocery outlets remain supplying any thing and everything including pies, ice-cream, breads, fresh produce, meat, poultry, pastries, seafood, gourmet foods, nuts, toffee, salsa and candy!

But if you just don't want to cook then In N Out Burger is the renowned place to grab a burger. The business has been running since 1948 when it was the first drive-thru hamburger stand in California. And although times have changed the ethos of In N Out Burgers hasn't. They continue to serve customers the freshest quality hamburgers and French fries, with everything still made fresh to order. There are no microwaves or freezers. Customers may observe French fries being made from hand-diced, fresh, whole potatoes. And the shakes are made from real ice cream!

Further information:

Air New Zealand flies to Los Angeles from:

$2273 ex Melbourne, $2276 ex Brisbane, $2290 ex Sydney & $2692 ex Perth. Includes taxes. Conditions apply.

Air New Zealand - Ph: 13 24 76

Membership with HouseCarers From $50 for 12 months, home owners advertise free.

HouseCarers - Ph: 02 9913 1844 or website: www.housecarers.com

Prices correct at 5/9/05