Hello, my name's Fred. I'm an English guy who's recently moved to Edinburgh, which is already proving nicer than anywhere south of the border! I'm a pretty relaxed and friendly chap and I have lots of interests that generally all eventually lead to beer/gin. I work freelance (I'm a books editor) meaning my schedule is pretty flexible, so chances are I'll be able to come hang out at least some of the time. I'm still getting to know the city so would be happy to join any potential surfers for some exploratory tourism (though don't worry, I do know my way around and have a few favourite spots).

I spent three months couchsurfing in the USA last year and had an amazing experience so I figure I should pull my weight and offer up my own couch. However, I do have two flatmates (both of whom are nice) meaning I can't guarantee I'll always be able to host. You'd be on the sofa in the living room, which is big and comfy, and I have extra sheets/pillows/duvets etc. I can only realistically accommodate one person at a time and prefer to host surfers for 2/3 nights max (the flat's not really big enough to have an extra person around for any longer). If you do get in touch, please send me a message that isn't just "PLZ LET ME STAY ON YOUR COUCH" - put some effort in ladz. Also I anticipate being flooded with requests during August (the Fringe!) soooooo best of luck.

I'm on Twitter and Instagram @FredBobJohn

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

This account was originally made back in 2012 when I was just 19. Two friends and I (I've hosted a picture of us all--babies!) went couchsurfing in Finland and in the Baltic states, and we had a fantastic time and met some lovely people. All my references are from either that trip, from hosting in Liverpool, or from my trip to the USA last year.

Interests

Books, politics, films (from Arnie to edgy), music (from black metal to hip-hip to indie folk), writing (badly), drinking, playing gee-tar (also badly), hiking, meeting new people, seeing new things, trying new things. I've also just started running and playing tennis (extremely badly).

Music, Movies, and Books

Kindergarten Cop is the greatest film of all time.

Currently reading: The New York Trilogy by Paul Auster, Iron John by Robert Bly, The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
Last films I watched: You Were Never Really Here, The Grudge (lol), Annihilation, Creep
Favourite bands: Jason Molina/Songs: Ohia, The Mountain Goats, Bruce Springsteen, Leonard Cohen, Jackson C. Frank, Bobbie Vinton, Talking Heads, Courtney Barnett. Also like lots of other stuff, inc. hip-hop, death metal, folk, indie pop, blues, jazz, lounge. Always looking for recommendations.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

got out of bed this morning

Teach, Learn, Share

I will teach you guitar chords and how clause structures affect meaning in sentences. I'd like to learn about photography from you foppish city-dwellers and some manly survival skills from you rugged rural types. I'd like to try fishing again (the one time I've been fishing I was maybe 7 and I killed a duck). I'm also always on the lookout for opportunities to be less terrible at foreign languages.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I'll do your washing up, I'll buy you beer. I'm as polite as pop culture has led you to expect posh English people to be.

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, China, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

Ireland, United Kingdom