Sick of home? Have the travel bug? Need to see new places but can’t travel due to COVID? Apparently, there’s a new website that let’s you see new places through other people’s perspectives… literally, and virtually. The website is Window Swap – some say it sounds kinda creepy, but I think it’s hella cool.
What is it?
Window Swap was started by a Sonali Ranjit and Vaishnav Balasubramaniam, a couple who live in Singapore. It started as a small project between friends during quarantine. It allowed them to share the views from their apartment with each other to feel connected. Now, it has blossomed into a world-wide community, sharing literal perspectives of the world from different home and workplace windows.
My first instinctive thought when hearing about this? It’s going to be a magnet for online creeps to film whatever they want on camera. Second instinctive thought? Creeps might be able to locate you based off your unique view.
But then, I visited the site. It’s extremely simple. You just press the button “Open a new window somewhere in the world” and a virtual window of someone else’s window will open on your screen.
Most (if not all) are video clips with life happening before your eyes – birds flying past, neighbors hanging laundry in the distance, and people walking to work.
And, to add more individuality, each video does have sound. You can hear music in the background, kids playing in the park somewhere off-frame, birds singing in the trees, or even indiscernible chattering in different languages of the people behind frame.
Sure, maybe it’s very personal to hear and see the life happening in and around this window… But in a time where personal connection is lacking, a site like this can be heavily appreciated. It seems that many would agree, as it has become so popular.
Check it out – some views are pretty cool!
My first instinctive thought was proven wrong. To submit a view, you just have to film a 10 minute clip and send it in. I’m sure they’re all thoroughly reviewed, because I haven’t seen (or heard) a single suggestive frame yet.
My second instinctive thought still stands, though. But maybe I’m paranoid! I suppose it’s a risk you take if you want to provide your personal, unique vantage point with the world.
Why Window Swap is So Awesome
As Sonali Ranjit and Vaishnav Balasubramaniam state in their website, Window Swap is:
“…a place on the internet where all we travel hungry fools share our ‘window views’ to help each other feel a little bit better till we can (responsibly) explore our beautiful planet again.”
I felt this statement – deeply. Us “travel hungry fools” are struggling, and this definitely provides some relief knowing we are not alone.
There’s a community of people out there who have beautiful perspectives of their little corner of the planet, and they’re willing to share it to make others feel a bit happier, a bit more connected, and a bit more hopeful.
Thank you for this beautiful website, Window Swap!
What do you think? Would you share this site with your friends? Let me know – comment below!
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