Barter system makes a comeback in Covid times

“Swapping one thing fairly in return for another is not the same as stealing” – and the barter system has been working for me in Montejaque. The system involves exchanging services and goods for other services and goods, of equal value, in return.

Since the start of the Covid epidemic, one of my sources of income (from a holiday rental house) has dried up. I have had to give up some of the little luxuries this income provided, and now exchange my skills to get them. I can design and produce brochures and posters, sew soft furnishings, teach English, type up documents and bake a mean carrot cake. For many years I have also been an image consultant – which involves body shape, colour and style analysis, wardrobe reviews and personal shopping.

My favourite barter at the moment is with Pippa Brooks of Montejaque Masseuse. At least twice a month I have been able to exchange one of my skills for a 55-minute full-body massage by Pippa. She comes to my house, bringing her massage bed with her, so that I can continue to relax afterwards. (There is nothing worse than having to get dressed and go home after a full body massage). We value the services and materials I have provided against the value of her massages.

I have also found that the locals recognise the system in another way: I recommended the village painter to a potential client and he thanked me for the referral with a bottle of his homemade wine and his home-grown olive oil.

Think about the skills you may have to barter for what you want most. And let me know if there is anything you want to exchange with me.