Despite our willingness to open our home to strangers, our latest house swap got off to a rocky start. Hours after arriving in France, I realised I had forgotten to leave the keys for the family swapping with us in London. Panic set in as I imagined their distress. Fortunately, our neighbours stepped in and hosted them until we could arrange a spare set.
This was not our first home exchange. In 2009, we swapped with a Parisian architect, enjoying his chic apartment with African masks and a pink bathroom. Another summer, we stayed in a light-filled Cornish home by the River Tamar. These experiences made us comfortable with the idea of sharing our lives with strangers.
For this trip, I wanted more than just a place to stay. I emailed ahead to ask about local children for our kids to meet. It worked. Within days, we were watching a traditional bull blessing with new friends, and neighbours invited us for homemade fish pie and taught me to cook fromage frais and leek quiche.
Our trust in digital encounters has grown. As internet visionary Clay Shirky notes, the internet allows us to share with those outside our circle. House-swapping requires immediate trust, which was easier than expected. We shared not just our home but our relationships with friends and neighbours.
After returning home, I received an email from the French family: 'We left the barriers at home and try to bring back this openness. The kids have been transformed.' Their words echoed my desire for a deeper connection. A slight blurring of identities had occurred. As holidays go, this was transformative—one that lingers long after you return to daily routine.
