We are a family of four - Ben and Jackie, recently retired, and two adult sons (most often sons will not be joining us on exchange).

San Luis Obispo is one of the most popular small cities in California for it's vineyards, beautiful downtown, festivals and outdoor recreational activities. Downtown San Luis Obispo is quaint and great for walking and shopping. Recently designated as "The Happiest City in America" and featured by Oprah Winfrey on her TV show! Lots of good restaurants abound. We are 12 miles from the beach, with great waves for swimming and surfing. The weather is mild with sunny, warm days and cool nights.

Our area is famous for wineries and you may enjoy visiting the tasting rooms to try our local wines. Just 12 miles north of San Luis Obispo begins the incredible Big Sur coast, with dramatic views of the mountainous coastline. SLO is 4 hours from Los Angeles, 4 hours from San Francisco and 1 and 1/2 hours from Santa Barbara.

Our home is in a friendly neighborhood, 3 miles from the downtown. There is a park down the street with a playground and tennis courts. Nice walkways go through out the neighborhood. A shoppig center is within walking distance.

We have a very large gourmet kitchen, with all modern appliances, including a new espresso machine. The kitchen opens into a large family room. The home has 3 bedrooms (master has a king size bed, 2nd bedrm has a queen size bed and 3rd has two twin beds), 3 bathrooms and a home office with a sleeper sofa. We have a nice private garden with fruit trees and a covered patio with outdoor furniture and dining. We have wifi and a mac computer.

Here is a recent article in the LA Times about SLO:
http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-slobike10-2009may10?gp=californias-central-coast&parent=san-luis-obispo&type=destinations!).

The "personal homepage" link at the bottom of the listing connects you to a You Tube video about SLO (made by our friend's son!).

We have a 2003 Volvo V70T station wagon in excellent condition and we also have a 1991 Dodge camper van that is fully equipped for camping. It sleeps four and has a propane stove and heating system, a small water tank and sink and electricity runs off of batteries. It does not require electrical hook ups.