Something to do

Australian Aaron is working in Samoa for six months. He is originally form Alice Springs. He decided to escape the heat of the Central Australia to the one of the most peaceful countries in Pacific. 

He heard about couchsurfing from his co-worker and decided to sign in, because he has a lot of free time on his hands. “I live with an Australian man who is really nice and I also know few expatriates in Apia but other than that I don’t have that many friends in here. I have hosted few times in here and I have gotten some useful tips about traveling overseas from the surfers and I am planning to stay with one them in New Zealand later this year. 

What I love about couchsurfing is that it really does give benefits for both: the ‘surfer and the host.” Aaron says. I haven’t gotten that many requests and I believe it is because of the location. Samoa is not that popular backpacking destination as any big European city. There isn’t that many things to do around here in addition to island hopping, but I am happy to help the surfer to get the best out of his stay in here” Aaron says. 

Aaron's Samoa

Samoa is known for its beautiful beaches. “Lalomanu and Sua Trench are my two favorite beaches!” Aaron says. They are both located in the West on Upolu Island.

 

“I also like Aganoa Blowholes, Manese Beach, Lake Lanooto! And the sliding rocks. The sliding rocks are just ten minutes drive from my house so if I finish early at the office I can take my surfer there.” He says. For those interesting in Samoan culture there are few museums in Apia. "But don't hold your breath! They are very small." Aaron says.

 

Diving should be amazing all over the island as well. I don’t dive but I do know the dive masters on the island, so I can even book the dives for the surfer in advance if he or she wants. Sport fishing adventures are more my sort of thing, but none of my guest have been interested in that yet.” He says.

Learning languages

Mexican Carlos studies marine biology in La Paz, Mexico. He has been hosting few times and does it mainly to improve his English.  He claims that his English is not good and is hoping to get to practice it with the surfers. “La Paz is quite a small town and all the tourists here seem to stay in the hotels. I think backpackers bring life into this place.” Carlos says. 

Carlos lives with his entire family. There are eight people in the house and most of the time the children of the neighbors are in the house. Excluding Carlos, no one speaks English. Staying at Carlos's house is good for a person who is learning Spanish, because Carlos studies in a daytime. "Everybody else will be in the house every day, talking just Spanish to you." Carlos says smiling.

He is hoping to do some traveling in the future as well and is planning to surf on other people’s couches as well. “Building a network is important, because I haven’t been outside of Mexico and really need good advice how to travel in different countries and maybe even places to stay on the road.” He explains. 

Carlos' La Paz

Carlos has been living in La Paz all of his life and hence he knows what to do and where to go for fun. “We have a great variety of beaches in La Paz and in all over the state." Carlos says. La Paz is located in the very Southern point of Baja California, Mexico.

 

“Most of the tourist who come to La paz do sea activities. Activities like scuba diving with giant manta and sea lions, swimming with whale sharks or viewing the whales from the boat.” Carlos says. “Surfing is popular thing to do in Playa Los cerritos which is quite near to La paz city. People who are into diving go to Cabo Pulmo and Espiritu Santo Island. They are both very close to La paz as well, but you may need to rent a car to get there.” He adds.

 

“The most popular place in La paz city itself is El Malecon: a boulevard next to the main beach. On El Malecon you can see the tourist and Mexican families walking after dinner time.” He says.

 

In addition to the sea sports there are several things to do. “There are lot of hills around the city, so hiking is recommended. You can spend your time just enjoying events on the beach and our unique cuisine of the region northern Mexico in one of the restaurants along El Malecon.” Carlos adds.

Safety first!

Mexican Arturo lives in La Paz with his wife and two daughters. He found out about couchsurfing a year ago already, but his wife wasn’t as excited about an idea getting a random person to stay under their roof. He wanted to host so that his daughters would get to know different people from countries they have never been and so that they could practice their English with the surfers as well. Eventually his wife came around and let him to set up a profile on couchsurfing.com. Mexican peso is quite weak currency in the world and to have a month long holiday in Europe for four people is very expensive. “So I decided to invite the world to our home instead!” Arturo says laughing. “Also I think it is important for my kids to get to know people from another countries, because soon they will go to university and maybe they can study abroad if they have right contacts.” He adds.

 

Arturo has a big house, but there is only room for female surfers for a safety reason. “I have two female teenagers in the house and I don’t want to risk their safety. I saw the same rule on someone else’s profile and decided to use it. I have gotten few request to stay at our place from male surfers who clearly didn’t read my profile properly. I replied and explained why I couldn’t host them and I think they understood me perfectly.” He says. Arturo’s family is also very busy with other relatives visiting and hence they would like to get the requests well in time so that they have enough time to organize the house for the surfer.

Arturo’s La Paz

“La Paz  is know for its beautiful beaches: El tecolote, Balandra and Coromuel beaches.” Arturo lists the best of La Paz. “The most common things to do around here involve some water sport action, like kayaking and camping on the beaches is very popular especially during the school holidays.”

 

There are few good, but small museums in La Paz: The whale museum (El Museo de la Ballena) and the national museum. There isn’t that much to do around here even though this town is a very popular holiday destination. I guess tourists stay at the luxurious resort and where they get out of their sun beds to get another cocktail. It is a shame that they don’t see the city if they stay at the resort.” He says. “Couchsurfing is the best way to see the La Paz especially if your host can take you camping”. He adds.

Repect your host!

Tania lives in Mexico City and she has hosted only once. She has lot of time after she broke up with her boyfriend and couchsurfing brings lot of new people into her life. Her friend told her about Couchsurfing and took her to a weekly dinner with other hosts and surfers in town. She felt welcome and liked the idea meeting new people every week and at the same time being part of a strong couchsurfing community. “I have been so busy with couchsurfing events that I haven’t had time to miss my ex-boyfriend and I don’t feel like there is a big empty space in my life anymore.” She says smiling. 

She has hosted only once and had a good experience. She has been showing around Mexico City to other surfers as well, but she wants to host only when she has time and energy to do so. She is also worried that there may be people using her generosity or treat her and use her place as a hostel. 

Tania’s Mexico City

Tania is working from Monday to Friday and if she is hosting during the week, she would like the surfer to be independent and explore Mexico City on his or her own. In a city as big as Mexico, there are always new areas to explore. 

“The home of Frida Kahlo seems to be the most common place to go, but my favorite place is Teotihuacan pyramides. It is a day trip, because it is outside of the city and I have been there so many times, that I don’t want to go with the surfer. Luckily there is a group on couchsurfing.com where you can find a friend for a day to do sightseeing with. These friends are usually other surfers who are traveling alone and interesting doing touristy stuff.” She says. 

She loves dancing and has been dancing Polynesian dances since she was 4 years old. “I would like to take the surfer staying at my place to either dance club or to see my dance class so that he or she will see how important dancing is to me.” She says. 

In the heart of Hollywood

Alex lives in a studio apartment in the heart of Hollywood, Los Angeles, United States. There are lots of touristy things to do and see in the city of Angeles. The building where Alex lives is one of them. Alex lives 1/2 block off hollywood boulevard which is famous for the stars on the street, the chinese theater and most bars and clubs that have been in movies, TV commercials and shows.

His
apartment is in a 1928 decorative historic building that was once a hotel and is now a City Cultural Historic Landmark. The building once was home to Humphrey Bogart, Mae West, Bing Crosby, Howard Hughes, the Barrymore family and The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Few to mention” Alex says.

 

Alex is in the movie business and sees how busy and demanding life can be in Hollywood. He is a painter, but has his own company as well. He does everything from writing poems and lyrics to directing short movies. He is also a masseur and very spiritual person. “I believe helping other will get me good karma.” He says and continues: “Couch surfing appeals to me because there is a fear that is all around us. I think the media helps to keep people afraid of each other. Most of the people wont even say hello when in a elevator together. Couchsurfing takes it to the other end of the spectrum: it’s making a stranger a friend and it’s building trust. i think its one of the best uses of the internet in these days.”

Alex’s Hollywood

Alex has been living in one of the most famous cities, Los Angeles, for a decade. He says that there is more to Hollywood than the things we have seen on TV. All the shows on TV make you think that Hollywood is just glamorous and people living in there are always flawless and beautiful. Alex disagrees and shows you the more interesting side of the city. 

“What I love in Hollywood is the Sunday Hollywood farmers market. It brings out a very different crowd then one stereotypically expects. People at the market are down to earth without an attitude. They are incredibly diverse and real. That is why it is one of my favorite things to do. “ He says. “Second best thing in the city is the cemetery screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. They show good old movies and thousands of people sit on blankets drinking wine” He adds.

For a coffee or drink

Melbournian Rachel don't host much in these days, because she lives with her parents. She has only hosted twice. “I host because I love to have people come to stay. It's important to me that my surfer and I converse, even if we have different ideas. I'd be wary to host someone who didn't look like they were interested in sharing.” Rachel says.

 

Because of her living situation, she meets up with people, the surfers, occasionally. Usually she shows them around Melbourne. “I'll invite them to whatever i'm already doing. I don't like to meet up with someone if I don't have the time or energy to give them a good experience.” She says.

 

She has surfed and had only one bad experience when she was in San Francisco. “My host and I just didn't click. He was a great host, looked after me and took me out, but we just didn't have much in common to talk about! As a result I ended up feeling in the way and like i was using him - but that was my hang up, not his.” She says.

 

She has had lot of good experiences. “One of the best was being taken out snow hiking on a whim by a nudist ex-army couchsurfer in Canada. I was a little wary about meeting him but he was such a wonderful, giving and entertaining guy I really learnt a lot about ignoring your prejudices that day.” She says.

 

Rachel thinks it is annoying whe people try to set up a time then not replying to her messages. “I figure something else has come up/they don't have internet access/they've changed their mind. But that is definitely the minority.” She says optimistically.

 

Rachel reckons that couchsurfing is going to get bigger. “Already newspaper articles are talking about it as a common concept of traveling for my age range, rather than a strange alternative. I'm hoping the demographics begin to vary a lot more as more members join - more nationalities, more ages, and more interesting people” she lists.

Rachel’s Melbourne

So many cute cafes, but no one to have a coffee with...

In addition to the obvious touristy places there are a lot to do in Melbourne. Rachel is young and outgoing so she know where to have fun in Melbourne. “Walk North along the Yarra from the city and you'll find a relaxing stroll through bushland - right up to the Abbotsford Arts precinct and Collingwood farm if you get that far” she says and shows the route on a map. 

Melbourne is famous for its music and art. “Explore the streets of Footscray or Sydney Road in Brunswick for some inner city multiculturalism which is yet to 'integrate' fully into Australian society. Lygon st and the Greek precinct are a little passe now” she says. Melbourne is the arts and eating capital of Australia. “Check out the many cheap but excellent restaurants. We're got heaps of great free or cheap art exhibition, dance performances, plays etc. plus Melbourne has the best live music scene in the country as well - this is where all the bands move to make it” She reveals.

Picky about the surfers, but for a good reason

Melbournian Shane has hosted and surfed for two years and hence he has a lot of experience. He knows how to have the best time when being hosted or when hosting. He chooses his hosts carefully when he is planning his trips and expects the same thing from the other surfers who hope to get hosted by him. He makes it clear that being hosted doesn’t mean being served in the same way when staying at the hotel. He strongly recommends a surfer to think twice where he wants to surf, because the host will get something out of the experience, too. “If your in a rush, and need a last minute couch, it wont be me. Sorry!!” He says at his profile. He likes to be organized, because he has to work as well and his flatmates have busy schedules as well. 

He also wants the surfer to get the best experience possible. He would like to have time to show them around. Hence he likes the surfer to be thoughtful when choosing a place to surf, when sending a request and when actually surfing. “I hate when people don’t put any effort into their profiles nor into the messages they send me when the request to stay at my couch. I know there are lot of traveler using www.couchsurfing.com to save their money for more beer.” Shane says. He has a way to check who actually reads his entire profile: he asks the surfer who is interested in surfing at his place to include the sentence "I hope the washing machine isn't broken" within the request message. This is the way to see if he or she ever read my profile. I will definitely read the profiles of everyone who sends me a request. I do this because I have received simple messages saying "i need a couch tonight, all the hostels are full" He says and adds that he understands that sometimes that may be the situation, but most likely the surfer is too lazy to read the host’s profile. He has never had a really bad experience and no wonder why.

Shane’s Melbourne

There are so many gigs and happenings to choose from in Melbourne. The best way to find out the best gig is to couchsurf at the musician...

There are a plenty of good clubs to choose from. All kind of music is played in all different kind of clubs and bars. Shane has a band and he plays at several clubs. Usually the surfers staying at his place go to see him play. “Melbourne is best in the summer time. “ Shane says. He lists the most popular music events of the year: “Big Day Out, St Kilda Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Meredith Music Festival. The biggest events are in the summer time and in winter there are other kind of art festivals like film festival and writer’s events” He recommends visitors to explore all the smaller events and the clubs of the city. “There is definitely something for everyone” Shane says.

Couchsurfing events

Anthony attends on couchsurfing events every now and then. He is very active host and takes his surfers to the events as well. Anthony’s main reason for hosting is very common. “I want to share the kindness and experiences that I have been fortunate enough to have through Couchsurfing.” He says.

 

Anthony has been surfing on other people’s couches in India and hence he wants to give something back in his own city, Melbourne. “From the places I've traveled, I slowly realised that understanding a place and its culture is more than just seeing the sights and having a good time. The Couchsurfing experiences I have had let me discover a place from the inside out and gave me a fantastic impression for what makes its people tick. This is what I've experienced when I've surfed and hopefully I can give this back.” Anthony says.

 

Anthony participates to the CS events in Melbourne. The Melbournian hosts are very active group of young people and they have different kind of social event, for example the free hugs- event, lawn bowling and they just like to mingle with other hosts and the surfers currently in town at the clubs.

“Sometimes I'll go to a whole lot of events in a row and then other times I'll go less frequently. I guess it depends on how busy I am. There are so many of them that sometime you need a break!” He says slightly frustrated. Good things come to when forcing yourself to try something new: “The best one I've been to so far was the 'Free Hugs' event in Melbourne. At first the public were a little shy, but they warmed up and really got into it!” Anthony says.

Anthony’s Melbourne

Couchsurfing is much more than just hosting or surfing. Even in an exciting city like Melbourne there are times when the streets may be empty and your own friends busy. If you are looking for something to do and new friends, you can participate couchsurfing events. It depends on the city how active the local hosts and visiting surfers are. In Melbourne, for example, the community is quite strong and active.

Anthony thinks every visitor should see at least the famous Queen Victoria Market, The laneways and arcades: “especially centre walk, degraves and the block” she says. He also recommends the Melbourne Cricket Ground while a football or cricket game is on.

 

With the surfer you can see your own city in a different light. Anthony has been hosting for a year now in Melbourne. “Hosting lets me meet people with differing views to what life is about. I like this as it challenges and extends my view on things. I found that living and working in a place for a while makes it easy to make the daily routine quite habitual. Hosting lets me stop, look around, rediscover and appreciate where I live and show others what I like, love and dislike about where I live. Kind of makes me feel like a traveler in my home town.” He says.