We arrived at our first home exchange by bicycle, having ridden across the state to our home exchange destination. It was tricky getting the door open, as the swappers' house was historic with antique door hardware. But it was worth the effort. The garden area had been impressive enough, with tropical flowers covering every surface except a brick patio with a steaming jacuzzi tub. When we stepped into the renovated kitchen and saw the huge sunken living room beyond it we couldn't believe it was all real. From that moment on I was hooked on home exchange.
We swapped with these exchangers several more times. After the third exchange we finally met them. They returned home a few hours before we had to leave. Though they must have been tired from their journey they promptly took us out to an atmospheric neighborhood restaurant where we had a wonderful meal.
Then there was the time our traveling companion wanted to try a kitchy local drink. Naomi bravely took us into the heart of a famous -- and famously rowdy -- tourist bar to make sure we had the best example of her town's famous tipple.
The last time we had Naomi and Terry stay at our home was when we were out of town just after our son was born. We came home to find a thoughtful gift any new parent would appreciate: a generous gift card to a local gourmet supermarket that had a large prepared meal section.
With these warm memories in mind I sat down to write as balanced a recommendation to their new exchange partners as possible:
"We are delighted to let you know what a great home exchanger Naomi is. You couldn't find a better person to care for your home. I first exchanged with her in 1991. She cared for our garden, left our place spotless and even -- I kid you not -- fed our former pet snake.
Since then we have exchanged with her several times. She and Terry always do a wonderful job caring for our place. We visited them at their new place in Paris recently. It is a lovely apartment with period details. They have done a nice job decorating.
The apartment is a good size for a couple. We have 2 small kids and I wouldn't recommend their place for a family but I'm sure Naomi told you the apartment is a Parisian-size 1-bedroom, ie small. I would call it a jewelbox. It is very conveniently located. There is one of those tiny but functional elevators which is rare in the sort of gorgeous older building in which their apartment is located.
I have completed 39 home exchanges. Naomi taught me more than anyone about being a good exchanger. She always made us feel welcome in her home. We would trust her with our place any time.
I should also mention that she has the nicest sheets we ever slept on in any exchange home.
Naomi has great relations with her neighbors and the Paris ex pat community, if you need to connect with other Canadians in Paris (I assume you are Canadian due to email address).
Let me know if you have other questions."
It was hard not to heap praise on these wonderful swappers. They are really a credit to the home exchange concept and community. Any one doing a home exchange with them would certainly enjoy the experience. I had no hesitations writing a supremely positive referral for them.
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