A romantic comedy in real life: how an American woman switched houses with a British woman and found her love in London

Sometimes life really imitates art. An American woman fell in love with a Briton during transatlantic exchange houses, and their love story has been compared to the popular rom-com "Exchange Vacation". The New York Post.

New Yorker Camilla Wyand, 25, flew to London earlier this month after spotting an Instagram announcement of a house swap with British travel writer Lizzie Frenier.

Wyand arrived in London on December 6, and Frainer flew to the Big Apple to enjoy Wyand's West Village apartment.

As part of a house exchange that was sponsored and paid for by HomeExchange and the dating service on December 16, Wyand was tuned in to a dating profile.

She soon met with 28-year-old technical consultant Paddy James, and the couple began to correspond.

“We decided to go on a date. I was really nervous because I was worried. We corresponded and got along very well with each other, ”Wyand said.

They met for dinner at restaurant and instantly agreed

“It was really fun,” Wyand said. - We had a great time getting to know each other. I found out about his friends and life, told about myself. We were bound by love of travel and different travel stories. "

“We both work in consulting, which was a funny coincidence. [We were talking about it. The conversation was very easy and too fast. "

Wyand's experience has echoes of Swap Vacation, the hit 2006 Nancy Meyers film starring Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet and Jude Law.

In this film American producer Amanda (Diaz) swaps home with British journalist Iris (Winslet) for the holiday season. While in the UK, Amanda meets and falls in love with a handsome book editor named Graham (Lowe).

Wyand and James decided to pay homage to Swap Vacation when they set up their second date. They agreed to meet outside the city in Surrey at the White Horse. This pub is the subject of the film.

“It was so much fun being in the pub. They have a place where the [poster] of "Exchange Vacation" hangs ... and we have some photos captured under it, "said the blonde, who has more than a passing resemblance to Cameron Diaz.

The couple liked each other's company and James said, “It was very natural. Really fun. "

Wyand even thinks her British boyfriend looks like Graham from Swap Vacation.

“Paddy looks a bit like Jude Law, and overall he was very sweet and kind, just like the character,” she tweeted. - I really thought that we would limit ourselves to one date, and it would be a funny story (given the situation). I didn't expect to get along so well with him. "

Wyand has since left the UK and returned to Manhattan. Although a long-term romance may be unlikely due to the distance of 5500 km, hope is not yet lost.

The couple plans to travel to see each other again

“Of course I was very sad leaving Paddy and I made a few new friends while I was in London, so it was sad to leave them too,” she said. "I think I'll have to go back!"

James agreed with her: “Of course I will see her again! It's just a shame she's 3 miles (460 km) from here now. I've never actually been to New York, so it's great to go there. I need to start saving! "

Wyand recently shared her experience on TikTok and the video captured the hearts of many viewers. At the moment, the video has collected over 1,7 million views and more than 112 likes.

https://www.tiktok.com/@camillewyand/video/7043031372113513733?is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7044588057630983686

"Oh, you're kidding ... what a dream?" - commented one fan.

“I'm literally watching Exchange Vacation right now,” wrote another. - Does he have a nice accent too ?? So happy to see real people find pleasure in this idea! "