Hi all! I'm an American high school teacher. I live in California near San Francisco. I have been to Jamaica half a dozen times and love it! I'm looking for a way to exchange "hosting" with trustworthy friends from Jamaica. I have made many friends in Jamaica during my trips but as Jamaicans well know...it is difficult to get a VISA to visit here. I'd be more than willing to host friends at my home here, in exchange for a summer hosting there in Jamaica. (I have summers off). I'm thinking of about 4 weeks.

I don't really want to do the "tourist" thing any longer. I have been there enough that I am beyond the tourist experience. But I do want to stay in a place, home, that is safe and I can have some privacy as well...as i would afford that to my guests.

Any ideas???

Sounds like a good barter system. Good luck! And welcome to ETJ!

Thanks...but it doesn't seem to be working so much! Not many responses. Thanks for the "atta girl"! Any thoughts about how to go from here?

Well Miss B, it takes some prodding to get these people to contribute to ideas! I want us all to buy a house in Jamaica too but we haven't bought one yet! LOL.
Don't worry someone will stop in here and give you some ideas, they're just on Jamaican time.....sloooooooooooow.

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Girlfriend...you have got that right! My house in Jamaica dream is alive and well! Someday, someday! I read on another thread that you are headed to JA in a few days! I'm sooooooooooo jealous! Used to have a honey there as well! Almost got married but then, thought better of it after some big red flags! Would love to chat more with you sometime about our mutual love of JA! Have a great time!

MissB check your PM's. And let's go buy a house together! You can have summers and I'll have winters!

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Hi Miss B,

P.L.A.C.E.S (Properties Located at Convenient and Economical Spots) is a rental company in Jamaica, that deals with both long term and short term lettings.

4 weeks is relatively short, but I'm sure we can match you with a suitable client. Send a letter of interest to P.O Box 496 May Pen Post Office, Clarendon, Jamaica. I'll send you some info in the post and we'll take it from there.

Would you consider buying a property and renting it out for the period you are not there? If not the entire house, then maybe a couple rooms? Just food for thought.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Bird...
Thanks for the info...I'll be in touch. Do I have to write you a letter or can we email or PM through here. I'm not trusting of the mail in JA. Seems like letters never quite get where they need to go...

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There are no words in the English language to capture my feelings...

Hi Miss B,

I know of alot of private home owners islandwide that do rentals from 3 nights up at rates much cheaper than hotels and then you can get to experience the real Jamaica. You can even do an islandwide thing spending a week in some cool places Let me know if you need assistance.

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rentjamaica
Housing People Jamaican Style
http://www.rentjamaica.com
http://www.jamaicaweddingsandevents.com

That would be great! I'll send you a PM and we can talk!

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There are no words in the English language to capture my feelings...

BirdBud, would it be alright if I mailed a letter as well? i'm an economics student from Canada looking for an apartment after i graduate in april 2006. i know its a long way off but i'm planning early. on a parallel note, i'm also looking for employment in my field. i love microeconomics i'm looking to work for a small consulting business that deals with startup loans and business plans; any ideas where to start? its hard to find something half a world away flying blind. i'll PM you if i dont see a note posted within the next little while. thanks so much (in advance) for your help!!!!! its appreciated.

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Intelligent, witty Canadian economist with an interest in geography, sustainable development and entreprenuership graduating in April 2006 and looking for a job in Mobay, Ja.