HOME EXCHANGE IS GREEK TO ME

Communication is key to home exchange, but what do you do if you don't speak the language of your destination?  One thing you shouldn't do is write in English, run it through an on-line translation program and hope for the best.  I just received a swap offer where the exchangers took that approach:

Dear Sir:We have seen the exchange offer in exchange houses. Indeed, his house would perfectly suit what we want. We are thinking of spending two weeks in their areabetween 15 June and 15 September. . The island is a paradise from which you can enjoystunning beaches and an extensive food. Our home can accommodate four people.Our children, ages eight and five years, will join us. If you feel that we can think togetherin an exchange
 if you don�t know Mallorca, is the island where was born and lives Rafa Nadal, Jorge Lorenzo (MotoGP world champion) or Rudy Fernandez (NBA player). only problem is that people who come fall in love with the island and don.t want to go home.sure you test if it will repeat.too have an apartment 50 meters from the beach, if you want I can also send pictures.

In the case of the offer above, the swappers speak Spanish.  My home exchange listing shows that I am fluent in Spanish, but the exchangers obviously sent the same mangled English text to dozens or hundreds of people.  They didn't bother to look at my listing so they did not see that I would welcome their Spanish-language offer.


The result is not just poor communication.  It is also clear to me that the line about "his house would perfectly suit what we want", which is meant to say that my house is perfect for their family, is hogwash.  They are a family of four.  My apartment is 400 square feet (37 meters square).  In fact, my listing clearly says I will not consider four guests.


Did you ever send out swap requests and feel disheartened because you received few responses -- positive or negative?  This is a prime example of a home exchange offer that I feel no need to respond to -- though of course I did.


So what can you do if you want to visit another country and cannot write an exchange inquiry in the target language?  Suggestions to follow.


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