“My experience as a host” Geraldine from Dublin, Ireland (60)

Geraldine hails from the capital of The Emerald Isle (Ireland), Dublin. She’s been a host for a number of years and enjoys meeting new people who share her interests in history and going for walks. Geraldine’s also travelled as part of house swaps, recently staying Granada and is keen to explore the Canadian Rockies. We spoke to her about life as a host:

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About Me:

“I’m a native Dubliner – born & lived here all my life. I’ve always loved travelling, exploring new places and meeting the locals, since my husband passed away a few years ago, I often travel solo or with my grown up children. I am also a committed home exchange traveller – having exchanged homes in both USA & Canada. When not travelling, I work as a freelance tour guide in Dublin, a job I thoroughly enjoy as it allows me to meet visitors to Ireland. I’ve 3 grown up children and was promoted to Granny status last year!”

Why did you join Freebird Club?

“I was introduced by my daughter who knew I was already interested in exchange programmes and house swaps.What I love about Freebird Club is that you get to meet new people and different nationalities. I love hearing about other people’s cultures (not to mention I like showing off Ireland too!).”

What do you like about hosting?

“It’s not so much the financial side for me as the social appeal. I really enjoy taking visitors around my hometown and giving them the “insider info” that only a local would know. I’ve often heard that the best tourist attraction in Ireland is the people and I think this holds true for past generations – we have a wealth of stories, personalities and events associated with almost every street and historical building in Dublin.”

How do you make guests feel at home?

“I think it’s important to spend some time with guests. I had one lady staying with me who was a bit tentative on arrival (it seemed to only dawn on her when she landed that she was in a foreign country alone). I spent a day with her, helped her with initial orientation (insider knowledge is key to making people feel at ease in a new place), then she was fine on her own.”

How did you find connecting with people online?

“Online is brilliant in getting to know people in advance of travel – I don’t know how we did it in the old days! Once the initial contacts are established, a pre-visit friendship is possible with Zoom or face-time calls.”

Any particular memorable/funny moments?

“Not sure if you can use this….. I was taking a couple from the US around the city and the man happened to mention that he was a retired Marine, having served over 30 years.  When I mentioned that the Irish have translated a lot of English swear words into Gaelic he wanted to know some of them!  I definitely rose up the ranks in my kid’s estimation when I could say that I had taught a Marine how to curse!  

Quote of the summer – “if you don’t travel 1st Class – your kids sure as hell will” “

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