We're a young couple, both studying at Durham University as undergraduates in the sciences. Jess is a budding biologist and Ben is a Geophysicist in the making.
If there is one thing that really unites us, it is that we both desperately want to try new things. From bungee jumping to the extra spicy option on the menu we're keen to have new experiences no matter how large or small.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

In the theme of new experiences, we have wanted to travel together for a long time as neither of us have been on many foreign holidays growing up so haven't seen much of our continent. Our solution: an interrailing adventure across Europe to see as much of the exciting landmarks and hidden secrets as possible.

We originally came across Couchsurfing as a tip for saving money. However, the more we looked into the idea the more we fell in love with the prospect of staying with someone who has plenty of local knowledge in a really personal atmosphere. Being able to share our own stories and listen to those of seasoned travellers (or hosts) sounds not only like a new experience but an amazing one at that.

Interests

Our interests between us cover a broad range of activities, including walking, swimming, cooking, reading, gaming, movie watching, climbing, running, sewing, drinking, exploring and canoeing. We like to make the most of the nice weather when we can, whether it be taking an ordinance survey map out and exploring the beautiful English countryside, or taking out a picnic to the local park and diving in to a good book.

If there's ever an opportunity for us to try an activity we can't usually, or something that’s a bit challenging for us, then we'll take it. Recently, we went canoeing in the Lake District, rowing from island to island, and despite the torrential downpour, we absolutely loved it! In the bad weather, we like knocking up a homely meal and relaxing with a bottle of wine (or three) and a good film. What we've really enjoyed, the few times we've had the opportunity, is hosting a dinner party for others at home.

• books
• cooking
• wine
• picnic
• running
• walking
• partying
• drinking
• reading
• traveling
• canoeing
• scuba diving
• bungee jumping
• rock climbing
• swimming
• rowing
• biology

Music, Movies, and Books

Here is where differences start to arise between us! Our music preferences overlap a lot and span a wide variety of genres and artists including Coldplay, Snow Patrol and The Script but Ben is also into heavier music that Jess doesn’t like such as Linkin Park, Pendulum and 30 Seconds to Mars.

Neither of us are particularly picky about film choices so we will watch pretty much anything and enjoy it. We often have movie nights where we browse Netflix and watch whatever piques our interest. This could Shawshank Redemption, 21Jump Street or The Expendables; It just depends on what we fancy. If we have any slight preference then Jess' is definitely action films and Ben's would be science fiction.

Ben is the more avid reader out of the two of us his interests being mainly in fantasy and science fiction. One of his favourite series would be the Polity by Neal Asher that explores the future of the human race after AI's become our benevolent rulers and we expand into the stars.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

At the age of thirteen, Jess was inspired by recent events to participate in Race for Life. Although a 5K run doesn’t seem like much to some people, for her it was a challenge. She committed a lot of time and effort to training for the event, and managed to raise a fair amount of money for the charity along with completing the race in a good time, something she is proud of. Whilst at College, Ben raised money for the RNLI by completing a sponsored abseil off the side of the Humber Bridge near Hull. This was a thrilling test for him, due to the fact that the bridge is of course very high and he was suspended over the river Humber once committing to the drop. These are things we have completed individually, but we have no doubt that our interrailing trip will be the most amazing thing that we have done together.

Countries I’ve Visited

England, France, Italy, Scotland, Spain, Wales

Countries I’ve Lived In

England, Wales