In a real-life plot twist worthy of a Hollywood screenplay, a London-based artist manager swapped her flat for a New York apartment and ended up finding love, describing the experience as straight out of the beloved romantic comedy The Holiday.
From London Frustration to Brooklyn Dreams
Tracey Kasongo, 33, was feeling stuck. Dissatisfied with her career and tired of undefined 'situationships' in London, she craved a drastic change. Her wish was unexpectedly granted when she spotted a listing on Kindred, a home exchange community. A couple named Drew and Sydney were seeking a swap from their apartment near the Brooklyn Bridge for a place in the UK capital.
"I was in a place where my relationships weren't really making sense and work wasn't really working out," Tracey explained. "I had reached my breaking point and needed a burst of a new experience." With the artist she managed on hiatus, she seized the chance, arranging to live in the Dumbo neighbourhood of Brooklyn for five weeks throughout August and September.
A Magical New York Backdrop
Tracey, who had fallen for New York's energy on a prior visit, was determined to live like a local. The swap provided the perfect, affordable solution. Her new Brooklyn home exceeded all expectations. "It was honestly like stepping on to a set of a movie," she recalled, citing surreal moments like seeing Ed Sheeran film around the corner and an impromptu performance by Wyclef Jean at a jazz cafe.
With an open heart and a desire to document her adventure, Tracey reached out via Instagram to a local filmmaker whose work she admired, hoping he could help capture her journey. That man was Baramee.
A Whirlwind Kindred Romance
What began as a casual coffee meeting to brainstorm video ideas quickly blossomed into something far deeper. Tracey found Baramee's assertive and intentional approach a refreshing change from the often non-committal dating scene she had experienced in London. "He just turned out to be the most amazing, patient, encouraging, ambitious and generous soul," she said.
Their connection intensified over shared experiences, including a trip to the US Open and seeing Wicked on Broadway. Tracey even extended her stay by a week, and later enjoyed a double date with the couple she swapped homes with, Drew and Sydney. "I guess you could say it was a Kindred love story," she reflected.
A Emotional Farewell and Future Plans
Leaving after six packed weeks was heartbreaking. "When he dropped me off at the airport... I was crying at the airport and on the flight on the way back," Tracey recounted. Yet, she was filled with gratitude for an unforgettable chapter that truly felt like "something out of The Holiday romcom."
Since returning to the UK, the couple have maintained their bond through constant FaceTime calls. They are now hoping to reunite over the festive season, with plans for Tracey to potentially spend Christmas or New Year in New York. Her story is inspiring others; a recent survey for Kindred found that 44% of Millennials and Gen Z are inspired by The Holiday to try a home swap themselves.
