My First Week as a Host: How a Complete Stranger Became a Friend for Life

When I signed up as a host with LocalNest, I had no idea what to expect. I have lived in the same house in Paramaribo for twenty years, and honestly, I wondered whether I was the type of person to share my home with a stranger.

The first evening

Her name is Ines. A teacher from Lisbon who had always wanted to visit Suriname. She stood in the doorway with a suitcase and a shy smile. I showed her to the guest room, put water on for coffee, and we started talking.

Within an hour we were sitting at the kitchen table as if we had known each other for years. She told me about her students, I told her about my grandchildren. It didn't feel like 'welcoming a guest' — it felt like having a visitor.

What I learned

You don't have to be a guide. You don't need a programme. It's about the small things: cooking together, taking the bus to the market, having a chat with the neighbour. That is what makes a stay with a local so different from a hotel.

Ines helped me make pom — something I normally only do with my sister. She took photos, asked questions, and listened to my stories about how things used to be. And from her I learned what it is like to live in another world.

A friend for life

On the last evening we sat on the balcony. She said: 'I came as a tourist, but I'm leaving as a friend.' And that is exactly how it felt. We exchanged addresses, promised to write to each other, and I know she will come back.

If you are wondering whether to become a host: do it. You don't need a big house or to be anyone special. You only need to open your door and be yourself. The rest happens by itself.