Hi! Welcome to the shared account of Elias and Johanna. We are a Swedish couple who like doing a lot of different things and Couchsurfing is one of those! Here are some words we like: feminism, board games, environmental friendly, train travel, comedy, fika, humanity, plants, pretty clouds, second hand, hugs, improv.

Before you send us a request you should know a few things. As we both work full time and have a lot of interests we don't have much time. But we don't want to treat our guests like a Bed and Breakfast so there is a high risk that we decline if we realize that we have no time to hang and do things in Stockholm. Also, as we can't host very often, we are a bit picky with who will bring into our home. If you are going to send us a mass produced message (I'm looking at you crtl+V) then don't bother. We won't accept it. But for those who make it to our flat, you will be treated like long time friends and we will be really glad that you are here. For those who are new to CS and need some help with writing requests we made a template that you can use for inspiration or just steal. Have fun!

So, that's that. Hope to read some really good requests!

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**Request template**

Hi [insert name]!

I am [insert name] from [insert country] and are going to [insert place] and are looking for a host for [insert number (2 or 3 recommended)] days.

[More info about your travel. Optional and keep it short. No one cares about your great plan, they care about you]

I read in your profile that you like/are interested in/work with [insert genuin match of liking/interest/work] which is really [insert adjective] because I [insert real life experience that shows the match of liking/interest/work]

[Add more of the above. Optional. Only do it if you really find things that match/are truly interesting]

Overall, you seem like a really [insert adjective] person and I would be really glad if you could host me. If you host me [insert if you have anything to bribe with, cooking, a good story about how you met Melania Trump on Ibiza or what ever. Optional but preferred]

[Insert good bye-phrase, in your language is a good option]

**End of template**

F.a.q:

Q: Their profile is really long, do I have to read it?
A: No. But don't send them a request in that case. Do you want to send a request? Then read it.

Q: Won't this take much longer time then just using copy and paste and send to everyone?
A: Yes it will. But this will higher your odds and make CS more fun for everyone.

Q: Should I spice the template with fun things and show my personality?
A: YES.

Q: Why do I need to care about their interests if my plan is just to use their couch for sleeping?
A: Please go to a hotel.

Q: What if we have no common interests?
A: Then maybe it's time for you to open up a bit? Or find another host.

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Here is some stuff we wrote about each of us:

Elias: I'm social, creative and I like to see where life takes me. I work in as a youth leader in a "Parklek" in central Stockholm which is basically a playground with staff. When I don't work I either practice, preform or teach Improv Comedy. And if I'm not doing that I am working with my sketch/magic-duo. And if I'm not doing that I am at home hanging out with Johanna (if she is home).

Johanna: I'm friendly, positive and I like to learn new things and get new experience. Right know I'm really into aerial acrobatics and acro yoga. In the daytime I work as a building engineer at an architect firm. I really enjoy sewing and taking care of flowers.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

We really believe in the good in people and this is a great way to be able to both help and beeing helped.

So far our couchsurfing experience has been great. We spent a lot of time with CS-people in Manchester while we lived there (the community there is amazing) and that really made that part of life much more enjoyable. We just like CS more and more for every person we meet.

Interests

Elias: There are a lot of things that interests me. I really love to entertain and preform in different aspects but comedy is by far the one I like the most. Right now I'm really into Improv Comedy and it's so much fun. I have been doing magic since I was 13 and it has been both a profession and my hobby and I also love to play and write music, rapping is a favorite now a days. And I also like good board games, like a lot. Like really. I would never say no to a board game.

Johanna: I'm since 2017 a huge fan of aerial acrobatics, mainly aerial silk which I practice one a week. Other than that I love yoga, with extra love for acro yoga (which i definitely can show you) and house plants. At the moment I'm trying to make an inside jungle in our living room. I'm also a fan of sewing, being out in nature, board games (not as much as Elias tho) and improv.

• photography
• yoga
• movies
• board games
• reading
• magic
• music
• improv
• aerial silk
• acro yoga

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Elias: The two magic shows I saw in Las Vegas 2010 was amazing, thanks to Lance Burton and Mac King.
And I have seen a double rainbow, when I was giving Couchsurfers a ride to the ferry, it was awesome.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Thailand, Viet Nam, Åland Islands

Countries I’ve Lived In

Sweden, United Kingdom