September 9th, 2008
What seemed trying to push our luck a bit too far not long ago, became a new challenge this early year, when we received a very interesting home exchange offer from Spain. It was composed in Spanish. My husband’s Spanish language skills would have been very usefully now, but as he was unavailable due to a very heavy workload, I could not resort to his wonderful language abilities. My Spanish is literally “nada”, but since I am the one doing our personal home exchange corresponding normally anyway, I decided to try something new.
Google translation of the home exchange invitation. The result was not too good. The translation tool hadn’t recognized some of the words. These words were placed in Spanish within the English translation. The syntax was baffling. However, I was able to understand the overall message. I liked the message and it felt good, but I needed some more reassurance whether I could trust my own judgment under the circumstances.
I sent the email to a friend – a native of Argentina. On the phone, he translated the message word for word for me. His first comment was: “This is a very polite, kind letter”. He only confirmed what had showed through the imperfect Google translation already.
After consulting with my family, I replied favorably to the home exchange offer. I wrote my message in English and added the Spanish Google translation for easier reading. And that is how I kept up my correspondence with the Spanish home exchangers.
A last language hurdle before the home exchange arrival, next…
Tags: Language Barrier, Successful Home Exchange
Posted in Editor's Swap Adventures, Pyrenees | No Comments »
February 25th, 2008
- Brittany Home Exchange Offer now at JewettStreet
Today, I received an email from a despaired home exchanger. She addressed a problem inexperienced home swappers often face.
Her home exchange offer included a beautiful large house in an attractive French tourist area. Her travel destination was a particular spot in Scotland this summer.
She was surprised that nobody had responded to her offer even though she had put her listing up with a large home exchange club. I wrote to her what I have learned myself from very experienced home exchangers:
“If you plan a home exchange to a particular place (especially, if it is not in a typical tourist area) and you have a restricted travel schedule, try to arrange your home exchange way in advance (like a year). To find and arrange a home exchange just takes time, unless you live in a luxury apartment in Paris.
Your home is lovely and your area a popular tourist destination. It makes for an attractive vacation spot for Europeans and overseas travellers alike. Therefore, it should not be too difficult for you to find an interesting home swap as long as you are not bound to a specific destination.
- I suggest postponing your travel plans to Scotland until that perfect match comes along.
- In the meantime you could try out home exchanges in other areas.
- Most home exchange clubs have a section where you can indicate your preferred travel destinations. I would suggest using that service, typing in your favourite vacation spot in Scotland and “open to offers”. Other home exchangers can then find your home exchange offer more easily.
One word to home exchange clubs. A club with many listings does increase your changes of finding a good match. Check out their listings in your favourite area as well. Have also a good look at how current a listing is. A good club shows member details on the listing (like date of last update, member since etc.).”
So, dear JewettStreet members and visitors don’t despair if you can’t find that perfect home exchange right away. Try to be open to several travel destinations. Evoke the adventurer in you! With some flexibility and an open mind you can find yourself in places you never dreamed of.
Tags: Successful Home Exchange
Posted in General Topics | No Comments »
May 22nd, 2007
An unexpected turn of events concerning our home exchange travel plans occurred today. I received news of a little schedule problem on the day of our arrival. The father of our host had offered the use of our home exchange object for a cultural event in town. We would still be able to use the place that day, but would have to share it with lots of other people. With much charm, the son lamented over the disorganization and apologized for the situation.
The whole scene reminded me of some of that beautiful country’s stereotypical characteristics: creative chaos. That should give you a hint where we are headed to!
The reaction of my husband? “This home exchange sounds more and more like an adventure. Let’s take part in the event!”
Which reminded me, flexibility and adaptability are key to a successful home exchange.
Tags: adaptability, flexibility, Successful Home Exchange
Posted in General Topics, Tuscany | No Comments »
