CURRENT MISSION

To share positive experiences with everyone I can meet. To play on rooftops and in music halls. To spread art and wonder. To share times with others who feel the same.

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Ben Bernthal. I am a poet, songwriter, darkroom photographer, and wanderer. For the past five years, I’ve been growing Strangers’ Poems Project, writing poems for people I meet on my typewriter.

I'm very interested in finding the underground music and art communities in the cities of the world.

Some of my recordings:

www.memory-foam.bandcamp.com

http://www.musicalfamilytree.com/band/ep_in_a_weekend/3857

www.accordions.bandcamp.com

PHILOSOPHY

Empathy.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Update: I haven’t used couch surfing in a few years, but recently got back on (2022). In past years, I used to host international travelers, touring musicians, and artists in my home. Sometimes this happened through couchsurfing, but it mostly happens through other connections.

I love to share the hidden beauty of my city with my fellow seekers.

Interests

Poetry, Writing, Modern Art, Surrealism, Soul Music, Indie Music, Folk Music, Jazz, History, Beer, Wine, Sustainability, Coffee, Conversation, String Theory, Comparing Religions, Equality, Art Collectives

• arts
• writing
• poetry
• modern art
• photography
• beauty
• dancing
• wine
• beer
• coffee
• music
• folk music
• jazz
• history
• religion

Music, Movies, and Books

Books: (mostly poetry) John Berryman, Anne Carson, Rumi, Hafiz, Anne Sexton, Ocean Vuong, Kaveh Akbar, Milan Kundera, Kurt Vonnegut, Charles Simic, Wallace Stevens, T.S. Eliot, William Carlos Williams, Theodore Roetke, Yusef Komunyaka, many more.

Music: Leonard Cohen, Nina Simone, Neutral Milk Hotel, Otis Redding, Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Os Mutantes, The Zombies, The Beatles, Sam Cooke, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, many more.

Movies: P.T. Anderson films, Wes Anderson films, others.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Being amazed is easy. It could happen anytime you pay attention.

Teach, Learn, Share

I would love to help people with English or poetry.

I want to learn about music in other cultures--specifically rhythms and instruments that I'm unfamiliar with. Rhythm's connection to place fascinates me.

Please teach me about anything that makes you feel excited. I love to learn from others. There's always more to learn about being alive.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I am a good friend and a good listener. I can help you with English, we can play music together, dance like fools, and I will be happy to help you or your friends in your travels.

Countries I’ve Visited

Czech Republic, France, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Japan, United States

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