The tower owner’s response to my question – obviously pointing to the fact, that I could not offer him the same kind of propriety in exchange – is not uncommon in the home exchange scene. Fortunately, most people who are doing home exchange are looking for much more than swapping an equally valued propriety. They want an attractive location. Places near cultural centres are very popular for obvious reasons. But many seek just another type of vacation than what main stream tourism has to offer. Discovering new places off the beaten path and meeting interesting new people from all over the world are much more important to them than to just exchange equally valued proprieties.

Making an effort to meet your home exchange partner in person can make a huge difference. My family has gotten to know outstanding people through home exchange; very knowledgeable and warm hearted individuals from all walks of life. Would it have been possible to meet them under different circumstances considering the geographical distances, the occupational and age differences between the home exchangers? It is most unlikely!

There is a sense of adventure involved and many unexpected surprises when connecting with people through home exchange. Just like with the tower owner.

We have been invited to meet him and his family in Rome this week. However, the distance from the tower to Rome is too far as to make it a comfortable trip for our younger child. With much regret we had to postpone the get-together to a later date in Germany when the Italian family will stay at our home.

“Well”, said the tower owner at the end of our phone conversation, “if we can’t meet in person, you can still watch me on television.” As it it turned out, he is an anchor man for an Italian TV station.