I lovecouchsurfing!I enjoy living alone, but there is something about sharing your home and your love for your city with new people.
And there is something to be said for inviting wonderful strangers into your life, I've met more than a few.
Luke, a shamanista from Mexico who shared recipes for sour dough and painted beautiful pictures, and gave me an eagle feather.
Sharon and Israeli coming from India with stories of communes, workshops and flower healers, who read my astrology, shared stories and inspiration.
Lisa and Seb a couple of flower child hippies from Germany, who waltzed into my kitchen and made breakfast every morning they stayed.
Francois a French stilt walking clown, built a compost bin out of scrap wood and lost my house keys :(
Travellers riding their bicycles around the world, camp New Yorkans, French biologists, Polish anarchists, 60 year old vegans, Spanish hippies, Australian jazz singers and and and ...it's been a riot of information, color, humor and food..and a few beautiful friendships.
Of course the idea is an old one... people with houses giving a room to people with none...simple. I've had my fair share of perpetual house guests and I've crashed on more than my fair share of floors..or tents in the backyard ;)
Couchsurfing is organised , structured, informative. It gives things a form, a spirit and makes it easy! You meet like minded travellers based on their description, personality, interests and most importantly references from other people who have met them in person. More than a simple flatmate interview will do for you!
It's an online community, with a system of checks and balances. It's a spirit of sharing and learning..there's free accommodation!
www.couchsurfing.org
General Statistics
| CouchSurfers | 1,263,267 |
| Successful Surfings (approx) | 1,273,016 |
| Friendships Created (approx) | 1,457,026 |
| Positive Experiences (approx) | 2,333,104 |
| Unique Countries Represented | 232 |
| Unique States/Provinces Represented | 2,734 |
| Unique Cities Represented | 62,229 |
| Unique Languages Represented | 1,270 |
