What does hospitality exchange mean to you?
Written by subaculture 2 years agoAn interview with a new BeWelcome member.
1) What does hospitality exchange mean to you?
Overall, I favour barter/exchange instead of using money. It is in this spirit, I find hospitality exchange really interesting. While hospitality has different forms and meaning for everyone, I am always very happy to discover what my education "made in Switzerland" has instilled in me, and motivates me to discover other forms of hospitality.
2) When did you start hosting people, and how has if affected you/impacted you/mean to you?
I started hosting people in 2007, following a breakup with my ex. My apartment was empty and I found it a shame to know that people were sleeping on the street. I started by hosting homeless people and gradually more and more backpackers. I was nourished by the thanks shown by people and this motivated me to welcome more people. In Geneva, it was easy, as the price of hotels is so high that many people are looking for alternatives like BeWelcome (and CS) when coming to Switzerland. I received at least 1 request every day at that time.
Picture: Fred with his BeWelcome guest (Fares) making braids together.
Why did you open an account on BeWelcome, (move from CS)? What are the differences in your opinion.
After the payment of the last annual fee, my CS account was closed for reasons that cannot be explained by CS,. Not wanting to lose this freedom to host people and to travel myself, I registered on BeWelcome. In the brief time that I have been here, I have already noticed that I receive personalized messages and not multiple copy/paste requests. Also, on BeWelcome, I didn't receive any sexual message unlike CS where it was constant.
You have hosted a lot? Any hosting recommendations? Tips for hosting requests?
I hosted around hundred people and I was hosted a dozen times. My "goal" is to welcome people without prejudging or expectation. To receive them as I would like to be received. The most important advice seems to me to be to remain open-minded in all situations. Often it turns into excellent surprises.
Do you see life in hospitality exchange after the pandemic?
Yes, no problem. Just stay alert to hygiene rules and be transparent with people when in doubt about symptoms, etc. Let's have Conviviality!
Picture: Fred's couch.
You can view Fred's profile here.
What does free, no-fee hospitality exchange mean to you?