Hi, I’m Ian 🏳️‍🌈

I’m originally from Atlanta, Georgia (USA), and I’ve lived in Mexico long enough to call it home.

I’m not new to Couchsurfing. I hosted for 15 years and had 100+ reviews, but I took a break to travel. When I came back, my old account was gone—so I’m starting fresh.

I’m a gay travel writer and journalist. I prefer side streets to tourist zones, and I usually know where to find the best tacos.

Most days I’m with my dogs, exploring neighborhoods, working, or planning my next trip. I enjoy long walks, good conversation, dark humor, and calm nights that still turn into great stories.

*** Length of time ***

I do not like to host for one night. Couchsurfing is about making connections, sharing culture, and learning the city from a local. If you are just dropping into the city for a quick business meeting, concert, event, or flight, I will likely decline your request. However, you can send a request and convince me to accept it.

My maximum is 5 nights. I have received requests for as long as a month. No, thank you. I am not looking for a roomie. If you need more than 5 nights, I recommend sending me a request for 3-5 nights and finding another host for the additional days. It is a good way to see different perspectives of the city. While it is very unlikely that I will accept a request for more than 5 nights, you can still send a request and explain why I would enjoy hosting you for longer.

*** My hosting style ***

I work from home on weekdays. Please remember: you are on vacation, but I am not.

Saturday + Sunday: I’m usually free and happy to spend a lot of time together.

Monday–Friday: I’m mostly available after 6 PM. We can have dinner, drinks, and relax in the evening.

*** Who I usually host ***

I often host gay/bi/curious men because I feel I can share more of my daily life and culture with someone who connects with my lifestyle.

That said, I’m open to hosting anyone respectful. I just tend to host more gay/bi/curious men.

*** Nudist Couchsurfing ***

I am not a nudist, but I get many requests asking if I will host nudists or generally people who prefer to be naked at home. My boyfriend is actually a nudist, and part of a nudist community here in Mexico City, so I am familiar with the idea/lifestyle. I do not live with my boyfriend, but he does stay at my house a few nights every week, and he will likely be nude while in the house. If you are uncomfortable, then I will ask him to wear clothes. No problem. I will host nudists; it is not a problem for me. My nudity normally happens when I go to bed. I have seen hundreds of naked men in my lifetime, and it is not uncomfortable for me. The only thing I ask is that if you are naked in my house, please sit on a towel (I will provide you one) when you are at my dining room table or sofa.

*** What you can expect ***

A clean, safe place to stay

Clean blankets, pillows, and towels

Drinking water

A friendly host who can help you feel comfortable in the city

*** Things we might do together ***

Walking tours and local spots (not the “Google” places)

Sunday bike ride: Many main streets are closed for bikes (I often go with my boyfriend). We can get you a bike.

Hiking: Great options outside the city on Sundays

Weekend escape: Sometimes I take a bus to a nearby town. If you like small towns / Pueblos Mágicos, tell me.

Also: Mexico City is not always a “party city.” Nightlife is usually quieter on Mon–Wed, and more active Thu–Sat. If you’re free, we can do food, a beer, or even a relaxed movie night. I have a projector TV.

*** Will we be a good match ***

We are probably a good match if:

You care about food, culture, and local life.

You enjoy walking, biking, hiking, swimming, and spending time outdoors.

You are independent and sometimes comfortable exploring on your own.

It is a bonus if you wake early. I cannot stand people sleeping late :)

*** We are probably NOT a good match if ***

You’re here mainly to party. I don’t use drugs, and I drink lightly (usually 2–3 drinks).

You only want a place to sleep for free. Couchsurfing is about connection and sharing, not just saving money.

You want to stay inside the apartment all day while I work. I need quiet and focus during work hours. You should plan to be outside exploring one of the largest cities in the world, not sitting around the house.

If you stay up late at night and sleep all day, we are not a good match.

*** Budget travelers ***

I respect the budget-travel concept, but please do not allow it to come at the cost of being a burden to your host. I have had several bad experiences with budget travelers who have taken advantage of my kindness, but I have recently learned to say 'no'. You need to travel with a budget to buy your own food. This is Couchsurfing, not Refrigerator Surfing. You should not 'forget' your wallet at home and ask me to pay for your day with a promise to pay me back, only to never do so. You should have cash; Mexico is a cash society. This is not Europe; you CANNOT use your phone wallet (tap-to-pay) in most places. You should have a small amount of cash for occasions when credit cards or Apple/Google Pay are not accepted. I do not loan money to Couchsurfers anymore.

I am really not grumpy; I just have over a decade of hosting experience and have learned the qualities of people I prefer to host.

*** House rules (simple and important) ***

1) Food
You can store your food in the fridge. Please do not eat my food unless I offer it to you. I often share what I'm cooking, but I don’t want a surprise when I wake up in the morning and find a guest raided my refrigerator overnight.

2) Cleanliness
Please keep shared spaces clean.

- Wash your dishes if you use the kitchen

- Keep the bathroom tidy (sink, toilet, floor)

- If you make a mess, clean it right away

3) Key + no visitors
I can give you a key, but two rules come with it:

- No guests inside my home. (No friends, dates, or other travelers.)

- No curfew, but if you come home late, please be quiet and don’t wake me.

If these rules are not respected, I may need to take the key back, and we’ll set an earlier return time for the rest of your stay.

4) Towels on furniture (important)
I’m not a nudist, but my boyfriend is, and I sometimes host nudists. If you are nude, please always sit on a towel on the sofa or at the table. This is a firm rule.

5) My dogs and the door (VERY important)
Please never let my dogs run out the door.

Always check where the dogs are before opening the door, and never leave the door open—even for one second. Their safety is non-negotiable.

Also, NEVER feed my dogs any food. My pug has food allergies, so this is an important rule. NEVER give my dogs food, no matter how cute they look at you.

*** Things to know (not rules, but helpful) ***

One bathroom: Please be mindful of long showers and long bathroom time. I will also be respectful. We are sharing space.

Sleep + noise: I wake up at 6 AM for work. On Sunday–Thursday, I usually go to bed between 10:00 and 10:30 PM.
If you respect quiet at night, I will respect quiet in the morning.

Before you send a request, please read my Home tab for additional information and requirements for staying, including sleeping arrangements.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I love meeting people from around the world and sharing my small piece of it—good conversations, local life, and real connection.

Interests

• street art
• walking
• movies
• nudist
• lgbt
• street food
• cafe