Hello!

My name is Ben and I am currently starting on a long road trip around the country and a bit in Canada.

My plan is to start in North Carolina, move up as far as I can go into Canada and then just head west until I hit the Pacific Ocean (Vancouver, BC). Then I am going to travel the west coast until I hit San Diego, CA. Then I am going to drive straight through Arizona to New Mexico. Once I am halfway through New Mexico I am going to head straight up to Colorado ending my road trip in Boulder, CO. In my profile I have a screenshot of a rough idea of what the trip will look like!

My plan is to finish this trip in a couple months driving most of the time. I have met some cool people along the way and made some memories to last a life time when I am on the road and that is why I am here on Couchsurfing! This is a wonderful platform to meet people and share experiences while traveling. Also staying out of the cold is something that I am trying to do as well! If we end up meeting on the road I would love to learn more about where you live and some cool spots in the area to check out.

when I have a house/apartment of my own I plan to give back to the community the kindness given to me in these coming months back. Can’t wait to be able to host in the near future!

Happy to help with any tasks around the house. Happy to cook together, I’m a very good sous chef and love to prep stuff. I also make a mean scrambled eggs!

I would like to add that I am a smoker working on cutting back, used to smoke every hour and now I only smoke every 3 1/2 hours!! I try to be respectful of my habit/addiction and only smoke outside and have Cologne to cover up any smell that may linger.

I am also fully vaccinated and had my last Flu shot and Covid vaccine in early September so I am all up to date!

Looking forward to talking more and continuing this incredible journey across the country !

-Ben

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

On a cross country road trip and planning out stops and meeting people along the way!

Interests

• books
• walking
• movies
• hiking
• philosophy
• storytelling
• stargazing
• conversation
• exploring
• exploring new places
• spontaneity
• experiences
• fiction

Music, Movies, and Books

Photography specifically Film photography in general! That is my main hobby. Also I went to school for film studies and worked at a movie theater so movies are my main interest.

Books
I read a fair amount and it is mostly "popular" books and writers that I enjoy. I am a huge fan of Kurt Vonnegut! Other favorites include Cormac McCarthy (Suttree is a favorite), John Steinbeck (East of Eden), Philip K. Dick (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep), Albert Camus (The Myth of Sisyphus).

I also read a lot of film theory or film analyses books for fun. I believe that Cinema is rife with possibilities for enjoyment and the analyses of films is both rewarding and important.

Music
I listen to all types of music. Favorites being Pink Floyd, Radiohead, Joy Division, Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Harry Nilson, Swans, The Beta Band, Nine Inch Nails, Roy Orbison, Bill Evans, Black Midi, Townes Van Zandt, Johnny Cash, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Green Day and many more!

I love music and try to always expand my music tastes! Would love to know some favorite albums/artists of yours.

Film
My movie taste can get really eclectic. I enjoy films from Paul Thomas Anderson, David Lynch, Ingmar Bergman, Akira Kurosawa, Robert Bresson, Andrei Tarkovsky and Park Chan-wook. There could be many more but I wont list them all. I also like corny movies as well and don't believe I'm a movie snob. I enjoy a good feel good movie just like anyone else!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I have traveled on the road a bit like a nomad down south for a few months in early 2020 and then the Pandemic ruined that for me.

The winds have changed and I am back on the road for a little bit!

Teach, Learn, Share

Anything film related I love to swap knowledge. I enjoy any kind of deep conversation about art and find a close connection with fellow artists and what art means to them and what they like to create.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Stories and any house work you need help with! I am also a decent cook but don't expect Gordan Ramsey level dishes. I do make a mean breakfast, its my favorite meal of the day.

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Germany

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States