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.