A little about Ben: I am 21 year old student at Syracuse University that will be graduating in May 2017 from Syracuse University with an environmental engineering degree. My friend Joe and I will be backpacking Europe for 45 days after graduation before I begin working as an environmental engineer. I am a huge fan of all sports and have played competitive soccer, baseball, and basketball for about 10 years. Food and cooking is another one of hobbies. I am excited for this trip and all of the experiences we will gain throughout our travels. We would very much appreciate any accommodations you can provide.

A little about my backpacking partner Joe: I'm a 22 year old Syracuse University graduate. I'm currently enjoying the remainder of my gap year, and I'm ending it with this huge backpacking trip. Throughout the year, I managed a high end, luxury cigar and whiskey bar. I have lived in the United States and Italy. The countries I have visited are: United States of America, Canada, Mexico, Italy, Denmark, Germany, France,Netherlands, Greece, and Spain. I speak conversational Italian, I'm fluent in English, and I know the very very basics of Mandarin. I'm very much enthralled with food and gastronomy. I will gladly cook you an exquisite meal while staying at your home. My favorite part of traveling is to experience new cuisine and the cultures that surround them. I'm also a huge nature fanatic. I love casual hikes and just relaxing outside whether it's sunny or rainy. I have been playing music for 20 years, and if you has a host has some instruments, I'd be very down to jam. Lastly, I love sports. Baseball and hockey are by far my favorite to watch, but I'm incredibly interested in playing and watching pretty much any sport. I believe that one can learn from any interaction no matter how small, and I want to spread any knowledge gained to everyone I know. I want to become rich in experience after this adventure.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Ben- I'm on couchsurfing in order to meet new people and have the opportunity to learn more about the area that I am visiting. Couchsurfing provides me many new and exciting opportunities that I may not have had by choosing conventional lodging methods.

Joe- I'm on couchsurfing to meet new and interesting people while staying at their home. By meeting these natives of the area , they can give us insider information on what to do, what to eat, and where else to visit. Also, I will be able to learn different aspects of the culture of my host and I will be able to share with them.

Interests

• cats
• dogs
• culture
• cooking
• beer
• guitar
• piano
• baseball
• basketball
• soccer
• science
• food
• friendship
• edm
• whisky
• gastronomy
• cello
• weightlifting
• math

Music, Movies, and Books

Ben: Movie- Shawshank Redemption
Music- O.A.R.
Book- East of Eden

Joe: Movie- A Clockwork Orange
Music- Third Eye Blind
Books- The Crucible

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Ben- I traveled from Rome to Sicily for 11 days with about 40 other students in 2012. This was my first trip to Europe and is what sparked my interest in traveling and experiencing different cultures.

Joe- I went camping in a forrest near Oktoberfest in Munich. The people were all very happy and kind. The beer and food was great. The experience was crazy.

Teach, Learn, Share

Ben: Teach- I could teach you anything about sports that I've learned or anything related to the field of environmental engineering.
Learn- I am open to learning anything that anyone can offer
Share- I will happily help make dinner or food or share a drink with any host.

Joe: Teach- I could teach you guitar, cello, cooking, producing music, knowledge of whisky and cigars, and my personal philosophies.
Learn- Everything and Anything culture or food related
Share- I will gladly cook for you and buy a bottle of some good whiskey for us to share.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Ben - I can share my knowledge of any of my hobbies or things I learned during my education at Syracuse University.

Joe- I can share my positive outlook and everything that I know that you inquire about!

Countries I’ve Visited

Canada, Italy, Mexico, Spain

Countries I’ve Lived In

United States